Kerry James Hill

Kerry was born in St. Louis, Missouri and moved to California with his mother at the age of 18 months. He lived in the South Bay for most of his life. Kerry was a loving son and best friend to his mother, Tamara Hill, of Inglewood, California, and his father, Byron Jackson, of Lawndale, California.

He is survived by his parents and by his maternal grandmother, Etta Hill of Port Arthur Texas, his paternal grandparents, Edward and Bernice Jackson of Lawndale, California, his brothers, Christopher Hill, Jovan Jackson, Shaun Jackson and Devin Jackson of Inglewood, California, the love of his life, Angela Garcia of Gardena, California, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Kerry was predeceased by his maternal grandfather, James Kerry Hill of Port Arthur, Texas, whom he was named after.

Kerry was an amazing musician and played many different instruments. He fell in love with music the first time he picked up an instrument in elementary school. He learned how to read and play music while a student at Moffett Elementary School in Lennox, California. He continued his musical education at Lennox Middle School where his talent blossomed.

Kerry has played in many bands and ensembles. In high school, he was a member of the prestigious Mira Costa Marching Band in Manhattan Beach, CA. He taught himself to play the piano and perfected his skill as a percussionist. After high school, Kerry travelled the country performing with the amazing Pacific Crest Drum Corps, 2 years in a row. That experience was one of the highlights of his musical career. Kerry has performed in many venues including Disney Hall with the LA Philharmonic, and the Hollywood Bowl. Kerry wrote and produced music. His love for music expanded to EDM (Electronic Dance Music) and had aspirations of becoming a headlining EDM DJ.

Known as "KJ", "Ker Bear", "K$" (K Money) and, his mother's personal nickname for him, "The Presence", Kerry was a true friend to his friends - ready and willing at a moment’s notice, to help in any way he could, for the sake of friendship.

Kerry, the oldest of 5 boys, was a wonderful brother. His brothers looked up to him and will miss him terribly.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Kerry Hill's GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/kerry-james-hill. Kerry's family extends their heartfelt thanks to everyone who searched for him, sent messages of love and support, provided food and financial help during this difficult time.