Harry James Hill Jr.

Jim was born on May 28,1943 in Monroe, NC to Harry James Hill, Sr and Mary Hasty Hill. One of Jim’s proudest moments of his life was telling the story of when his father, stationed nearby as a World War II pilot with the Army Air Corps, flew over the Monroe hospital at low altitude, or “buzzing the hospital”, to celebrate his birth.

Growing up in Greensboro, NC, Jim would always speak glowingly of his fond memories of his upbringing in the Sunset Hills neighborhood and attending Lindley Park Elementary. He never wavered from his reverence and true love for Greensboro Senior High School (Grimsley) and the wonderful time he had attending GHS. He was especially proud to be a member of the Class of 1961. From his admiration of his mentor and musician Herb Hazelman to wearing the Whirley Bird costume at sporting events, he was a Whirlie through and through.

As a youth, Jim attended St Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Greensboro and was an acolyte. His faith continued in adulthood at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Monroe, where he attended for many years. He was a true believer in Christ and always kept his faith deep in his heart.

Jim earned his undergraduate degree in History from Guilford College, and then achieved his Masters in Music from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. After UNCG, Jim began his lifelong career in Music Education by starting the award-winning band program at Piedmont High School in Monroe, NC. Throughout his career, Jim taught music at multiple schools in the Union County area including Piedmont High School, Monroe High School, Central Academy and Union Academy. In his spare time, Jim was a videographer and filmed multiple weddings, music concerts, band competitions, and events.

Known for his wit and humor, Jim’s companionship was always enjoyed by his family, friends and colleagues. He was always known to offer a humorous quip or funny memory to make people laugh. Whether MCing a Class of 1961 reunion or conducting a band concert, Jim enjoyed the stage and adored entertaining.

Jim defined the word “eccentric” with his unique hobbies and interests. Unknown to some, he was once a Sports Car Association race car driver and was able to race at legendary race tracks like Virginia International Raceway. Although never able to make a career of racing, he always dreamt of his time behind the wheel and reminisced about the speed of racing.

With a zest for creativity, Jim was an accomplished painter. From painting wall murals at local high schools to painting canvas landscapes, he could create magic with his brushes. Several of his older paintings were used in advertising, particularly with racetrack promotions, and today many of his friends, his children and grandchildren proudly display his gifted artwork in their homes and offices.

Jim’s most prized accomplishment was earning Hall of Fame status with the North Carolina Bandmasters Association in 2018. He viewed the award as the crowning achievement of accomplishing a career in doing something that he loved with all his heart – music. He cherished his time as a teacher, mentor, friend and music educator, and he was always thankful for the ability to affect the lives of his students with music.

Jim’s sporting passion was always a round of golf. This love began after winning the Junior Golf Championship of Greensboro as a young golfer. Throughout his life, he loved being on the course at Starmount Forest, Monroe Country Club or at clubs around the Carolinas. He volunteered for many years at local PGA events and enjoyed telling stories of being around his golf heroes.

Jim’s lifelong love for the Carolina Tar Heels was unmatched. He was passionate about being a fan and always rooted enthusiastically for the Heels. Nothing made him happier than a Tar Heel victory (especially over “dook”). Many of his most humorous quips were at the expense of Tar Heel’s opponents, coaches, and fans. Always a Tar Heel born and bred, now heaven has their Tar Heel dead.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Mary Hill. He is survived by his daughter, Holly Hill of Charlotte, NC, his son and daughter-in-law, Jay and Heather Hill of Greensboro, NC, his grandsons, Alex Hill of Cocoa, Fl and Harrison Hill of Morrisville, NC, and granddaughter, Kipley Hill of Greensboro, NC. He is also survived by his brother John Hill and family of Greensboro, NC.

Jim was extremely proud of the friendships he made within his band community. He regarded so many as dear, dear friends. He held a special place in his heart for Steve Stevens, who saved his life after a health episode. A few years ago, to honor Steve and his heroism, Jim proudly commissioned a piece of music called “Cherished.” It will make anyone who listens to the piece cry, just as Jim wanted.

A special “thank you” goes out to the wonderful staffs at Aldersgate, Novant Presbyterian Hospital, and Hospice for their love and compassion for Jim’s care over the past few years.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for any donations to be given to the NC Bandmasters Association c/o NC Music Educators Association at https://www.ncmea.net/donate/ on behalf of Jim Hill. On the payment page, you can add notes for Jim Hill and the NC Bandmasters Association.

A private family burial service will be at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Greensboro, NC and a Celebration of Life will be held from 5 PM to 7 PM, Sunday, March 16, 2025 at Union Academy Charter School, 675 North MLK, Jr. Boulevard, Monroe, NC 28110. Please RSVP at: https://forms.gle/5teqFKdXLehUZ9m3A.