Jim Bob Hill

June 14, 1954 - January 4, 2013

At about 6 a.m., on January 4, 2013, Mr. Jim Bob Hill, 58, passed away peacefully at his home. An immensely loved father, husband, grandfather, son and brother, Jim Bob fought a tough battle for more than 5 years against an aggressive cancer. He was born in Del Rio Texas in 1954 to Jack and Rosamond Hill and was one of five children. He never left Del Rio, where he was well known and respected for his strong character, hard work and generous heart. Since a young age, Jim Bob showed a passion for sports; particularly baseball. His talent and love for the sport took him to adventures he would often talk about; like playing hardball in Mexico, and the many fun-filled years he coached little league baseball. His athleticism and adventurous nature made him enthusiastic about other sports as well; including golf, basketball and tennis. He even served as a referee during Rams football games. Jim Bob graduated from Del Rio High School in 1972. Shortly after that, he married his high school sweetheart; Mary Kerr. They had three sons, and lived 39 years of happiness together; never leaving each other’s side. With a good eye for construction, Jim Bob first began working in his father's company; Jack Hill Construction Company. Years later, he took over as owner, and converted Jack Hill Construction Co. into a well-known and established business. On the most important streets of Del Rio, and throughout parts of South Texas, Jim Bob built dozens of commercial buildings including a leading bank, and a state of the art fire station. His passion for design and construction will forever be remembered through the strong and sound buildings his hands built. But nothing pleased him more than spending time with his family. Teaching his boys baseball, fishing, and hunting were some of his favorite memories. A man of great faith, Jim Bob believed in the power of prayer and never distanced himself from God. He lived his life with honor; never un-attending his wife and children. Many remember him as a man who liked to help others, and give to those in need. Some remember him for his giggling laugh and many still talk about what an excellent coach he was for young athletes. In the final months of his life, when pain was at its peak, nothing could stop him from smiling when he was in the presence of his family. His three grandchildren, he would say, was the closest thing to heaven. Survivors include his wife of 39 years Mary Hill; three sons: Aaron Hill and wife Chelsea, Ryan Hill and wife Claudia, and Sam Ray Hill; three grandchildren; Kayla, Connor and Avah Sophia Hill; Brother: Gerald Hill and his wife Julie of San Antonio, Texas; sisters: Burnell Scott and husband Craig of Austin, Texas, and Judy Moorhead and husband Jeff of San Antonio, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father Jack Hill, mother Rosamond Hill, sister Jackie Rose Hill and brother Sam Hill. Honorary Pallbears are Frank Lowe, Bott Green, Walter Fisher, Jamie Haas, Robert Fuentez, Tom Benham, Terry Hill, Rocky Hill, Sandy Hill, Ted Luce, Mack Pusley, Jon Badger and Ira West. A Memorial Service to celebrate his life will be on Friday, 11:00A.M, January 11, 2013 at the First Christian Church with John Cary officiating. Private interment will be at Westlawn Cemetery. In Lieu of usual remembrances donations can be made to Val Verde Hospice.