James William Hill

Jim was a second-generation Arizonan, born in Globe, Arizona October 14, 1936, to Rouland and Helen Hill. When he was four, his parents moved him and his older brother George to Phoenix. Jim went to the University of Arizona and earned a degree in Agriculture. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity and became known as the "Elvis of Arizona" for his performances at school assemblies. He even recorded a song, Bop Bop Baby. Perhaps most important, the U of A is where Jim met his wife, Barbara Bartmess, to whom he was married 63 years.

With his agriculture degree, Jim had plans to be a cotton farmer, He and Barbara eloped to Las Vegas in 1959 and decided to hang up the farming dreams and attend the U of A's College of Law. Their first two children, Jim Jr. and Diane were born in Tucson. After graduating in 1963, Jim joined his father’s law firm, Shimmel, Hill, Kleindienst and Bishop. He often went into work on Saturdays wearing a Stetson cowboy hat and boots because he secretly still wanted to be a cotton farmer.

In 1966, he and Barbara had twin daughters, Kathy, and Carol, which meant his 1966 Corvette was traded in for a yellow Chevy station wagon. Jim kept his motorcycle for a while and used to ride “the twins” around the neighborhood one in front and one hanging on to his waist.

Jim practiced law and was a member of the Arizona State Bar for 53 years. He enjoyed the days when he could settle a case with a handshake or during a tennis match that he referred to as "court appearances." He slowed down his practice and bought a summer home in Flagstaff. He and Barbara spent many summers playing golf with their friends, strumming his guitar and hiking with the dogs. He also got back into riding motorcycles and bought a Harley-Davidson. He loved his harley trips with his riding buddies.

Jim is survived by his wife Barbara, his brother, George, his children Jim Hill Jr. (Linda), Diane (J.R. Quackenbush), Carol Rose, Kathy Wilmer (Charlie) and 11 grandchildren.

We would like to thank the staff at Terraces of Phoenix Rehabilitation, Scottsdale Shea Hospital and the Sherman House Hospice staff for their kindness, patience, and comfort.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Arizona Humane Society Campus for Compassion or to the Arizona Game & Fish Department in support of the water for wildlife program by selecting the links below. Services will take place at A.L. Moore-Grimshaw Mortuary located at 710 W Bethany Home Rd Phoenix Arizona, 85013 on Thursday June 24th at 4pm.