Roy E. "Jim" Hill, 95, passed away at 5:05 p.m. Friday, March 28, 2008, at Crawford Memorial Hospital, Robinson, Illinois following a brief illness. Born on October 19, 1912, rural Oblong, he was the son of Harlin Edgar Hill and Leora Gertrude (Neeley) Hill. He retired October 1, 1977, from Marathon as a pumper after 28 years he was a longtime gentleman farmer and entertainer. He was a member of the Oblong First Christian Church. In his last years he enjoyed singing and entertainment at Ste. Marie, Robinson and Newton. His wife and family always came first in his life but his love for music and Church was a close second. Jim also liked to hunt.
On November 7, 1931, he married Edna Opal Lorance. On December 19, 1952, he married Pauline Bernice Gilman, who survivies. Also surviving are six sons and daughters-in-law, Jimmy D. & Maurine Hill, Fred & Joan Newton, Jesse & Linda Newton, Art & Brenda Newton, Tom & Laura Hill and Bill & Barb Hill; two daughters and sons-in-law, Bonnie & Paul Heath and Trudy & Jay Seaney; 34 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Oliaf "Pod" Lorance; and several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Mary Irene Pittman; three brothers: Wilson, Ogal & Joe; seven sisters, Clede, Maude, Ellen, Velma, Dorothy, Mary & Marie, two grandchildren: Chris Newton and Connie Elliott.
Burial will be in the Oblong Cemetery, Oblong, IL.