James John Hill

He is survived by his children Corrine, Charity and Sarah. He is also survived by his son-in-law William Sajnacki and his daughter-in-law Krista Handfield, his two beautiful grandchildren Liam and Ella Sajnacki and his “forever wife” and good friend Cecilia. James is preceded in death by his mother Elsa and his brother Gerard and is survived by his father James Madison Hill and his siblings Dennis, Kathryn, Maxine and Greg.

James was born in Brooklyn, NY and was raised in Floral Park, NY. James was a proud New Yorker and struggled to leave behind the hustle and bustle of New York and it’s bagels, pizza and diners upon his retirement to North Carolina. James joined the US Navy after his graduation and served his country proudly on the Franklin D. Roosevelt aircraft carrier from 1960 through 1965.

James, besides being an outstanding father, grandfather, son, sibling and friend was a locomotive engineer for the Long Island Rail Road. He served as a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers for 25 years and brought great integrity and honor to his job of transporting thousands of New Yorkers to their destinations from Montauk on Long Island to Manhattan and all points in between everyday. Not a day went by when he didn't talk about how awesome his job was. James was well known amongst his family, friends and professionals as an excellent woodworking craftsman. He was known for working long hours in his garage offering his skills and expertise to help anyone repair or improve their home. He was a shockingly good interior decorator and was a huge fan of the intricacies of trim and crown molding.

James was also known for his love of loud, fast and classic cars. One of his first purchases was a 1967 yellow Corvette. After he put his children through school he purchased a 1978 Corvette Pace Car, followed by a 1978 LT1 Corvette Stingray and he was most proud of his award winning 1965 Corvette Stingray. His love of cars, speed, the roar of the exhaust and the overall driving experience is forever ingrained in his daughters and his grandchildren.

James was also known for being the first one to ask the question "what's for dinner?" and he enjoyed nothing more than afternoon coffee and a snack always referred to as "kaffee stunde" from his German upbringing. James was an original "foodie" before the Food Network was even discovered. He especially loved home cooked meals created by his mother which have since been recreated lovingly by his daughter Charity.

James was also an avid participant in politics and believed in supporting your fellow man. He was always willing to hear new political opinions, as long as they agreed with his own, and would frequently engage in hearty political discussions.

Services are to be held at Frank Vogler & Sons Funeral Home, Reynolda Chapel on Friday, May 31 at 2 PM. The family will receive friends from 1 to 1 :45 PM prior at the funeral home and following the service.

Donations can be made in James’ name to the Lustgarten Foundation at www.lustgarten.org. On line condolences may be made at www.frankvoglerandsons.com.