James Scott Hill, formerly of Benton
James Scott Hill, 72, passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday, March 5, 2020, at his residence in Stockton, Calif.
Jim was born Dec. 26, 1947, to Charles Dalton Hill and Elwanda (Deason) Hill in Herrin and grew up in Benton.
He graduated from Benton Consolidated High School in 1966 as a standout athlete, and then from Illinois State University with a degree in business. He spent time in the Navy and did flight training in Pensacola, Fla., before his honorable discharge in 1970.
On Jan. 16, 1971, he married Hazel Skaggs. The two of them moved to the Chicago area and a few years later in 1974, relocated to Stockton. They shared a beautiful love story for 44 years until her sudden death in 2015.
Jim had an ever-present smile, engaging personality and sense of humor that gave him the ability to light up a room and make a friend of anyone. He was a person with a love of life who had many interests. He and Hazel earned pilot licenses and one of their joys was flying together in their Beechcraft airplane, including one cross country trip from California to Illinois. When he wasn't in the air, Jim could be found on the water cruising the Delta River on his boat, the Nimble Nomad.
To know Jim was to know his passion for dogs. As a volunteer for Norcal Cocker Rescue, he donated countless hours of his time driving innumerable miles and hours to transport animals from shelters to foster and adoption homes. Many dogs around Northern California and beyond are living their second chance lives with their forever families because of Jim.
He will be deeply missed and remembered by many, including his nieces, Allison Hill, Andrea Hill and Amanda Hill; sisters-in-law Tanna Thole (Dick) and nieces and nephews Rhonda, Sherrie, Ron, Rich and Mike; Carla Stadel (Gary), and nephews Ryan, Paul, and Mark, and brother-in-law Dale Skaggs (Danita) and nephews Colton and Colby; step-sisters Sue Causey (Bud) and Ann Woolley (Clancy); step-niece, Camilla Cain; and a very special friend, Janet Remillard.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel Skaggs Hill; father Charles D. Hill; mother Elwanda Hill Woolley; brother Bruce Hill; and stepfather John Woolley.
A memorial service will be planned for a later date. Donations may be made in Jim's name to Norcal Cocker Rescue. To sign a guestbook, visit the website of Casa Bonita Funeral Home.