James David "Jim" Hill

Born December 22, 1942 in Kewanee to Merwyn Edgar and Mildred Grace (Gibbs) Hill, he married Lynn Ann Girkin on April 12, 1964 in Galva. She survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Nick (Vicki) Hill and Chip (Abby) Hill, both of Pekin; five grandchildren, Ryan (Tess) Hill of Shenzhen, China and Brittany (Eric) Wrigley, Julianna Hill, Connor Hill and Duncan Hill, all of Pekin; two great-grandchildren, Emma Hill and Jaye Hill; two sisters, Mary Duncan of Kewanee and Jill (Terry) Hill of Pekin and one sister-in-law, Mary Lou (John) Anderson of Kewanee.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Jim lived a life marked by steady devotion to others and a quick wit that could brighten even ordinary moments.

He was a 1961 graduate of Neponset High School and throughout his working life was employed in the fertilizer industry. Jim was associated with the Henry Fertilizer Plant since 1988, last working in May of this year.

Jim had a love for golf and hosted the J.D. Hill Invitational in Kewanee at Baker Park during Kewanee Hog Days for over 45 years, proudly calling it the Fifth Major in golf and involving 250 different golfers over time. He enjoyed golf and was a member of Pekin Country Club for more than 50 years.

Jim was also passionate about being a supporter of his son and grandson’s involvement in youth hockey. In the ways that mattered most, he consistently placed family ahead of himself, offering time, attention, and steadfast encouragement. He had a rare gift for conversation, able to connect with people from any walk of life, and he leaves behind countless memories of laughter shared and friendships made.

He was a founding member of the Midwest Agricultural Scholarship Foundation, an Illinois based organization of agribusiness professionals that awards scholarships annually to students pursuing careers in the agribusiness industry. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father and grandfather and a dear friend to many. He was of the Christian faith.

His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Prairie Haven Cemetery in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pekin Amateur Hockey Association, P.O. Box 234, Pekin, IL 61555 or to Tazewell County St. Jude Golf Committee, P.O. Box 1563, Pekin, IL 61555.

To express condolences online, visit www.Preston-Hanley.com