James Antony Hill

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James Antony Hill on April 17, 2023 at the age of 70.

James (Jim) was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on December 11, 1952. He is survived by Gail, his loving wife of 47 years, his daughters Sherrie (Mike) and Christine (Jordan), his granddaughters Kate and Krista, brother Ed and sister Margaret. He was predeceased by his parents (Julia and Leslie).

Jim was a caring husband and father. He loved nature and being outdoors, was an avid fisherman and hunter, and volunteered for Ducks Unlimited in his early years. Jim was inquisitive and inventive. He enjoyed woodworking, bird watching, nature photography, canoeing, snowshoeing, playing basketball, golf, gunsmithing, and tinkering with engines. He even learned to braid his daughters’ hair.

Jim enjoyed travel and had a great sense of adventure. He was instrumental in taking his family to Indonesia when the girls were younger, as well as numerous camping trips throughout Canada and the United States.

He often surprised his wife with his spontaneity, bringing home a puppy shortly after the birth of their second daughter, and gifting her with a piano for one birthday. He took her on an impromptu trip to Cabella’s in Nebraska one weekend, and signed them both up for scuba diving lessons on another. As dive buddies, they travelled to Australia, Bonaire and Florida to explore reefs, shipwrecks and caverns.

Jim had a B.A. in Urban Studies. Over the years he worked as a project manager and in property acquisitions for both the Province of Manitoba and Great West Life, and eventually he went into business for himself.

Jim was a community-minded person which served him well in business and his personal life. He built friendships wherever he went. He is remembered fondly as a kind, easygoing and helpful man with a dry sense of humour.

Sadly, Jim was diagnosed with a progressive illness when he was just 50. He bravely met all challenges as he was able to do less and less of the things he enjoyed.

Jim will be very much missed by his family and friends. He will be forever in our hearts and our memories. We trust that he has been reunited with his parents and his two hunting dogs and is now free to continue having the adventures that he loved.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Ducks Unlimited, the Canadian Wildlife Federation, or the Nature Conservancy of Canada.