James Robert “J.R.” Hill, 72, of West Bath, lost his courageous battle to cancer and passed away peacefully Nov. 9 at his home, surrounded by family and friends.
He was born in Bath on July 28, 1943, a son of William S. and Leona W. (McKenney) Hill. He attended Bath schools and entered the U.S. Air Force in 1960. He was employed at Bath Iron Works as a welder and also at Maine Yankee in Wiscasset. In 1971 he founded and operated J. R. Hill & Son Pumping and later excavation.
On July 11, 1998 he married Lynn Moore in West Forks, where they owned a family camp and shared many wonderful memories.
He was a member of the Bath Lodge of Elks, a life member of the Smith Tobey Post 21 American Legion and a member of the Polar Star 14 Masonic Lodge in Bath.
J. R. was an avid country music fan. He loved playing guitar, singing and listening to classic country. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and periodically, taking his chances at the poker table. He loved spending time at camp and for the last few years, wintering in Florida. He especially enjoyed being surrounded by his family and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents; daughter, Shirley Anne Webster; and sister, Terry Frohmiller.
J. R. is survived by his wife, Lynn of West Bath; sons, Martin “Marty” J. Hill of West Bath, and James “Jamie” R. Hill Jr. of Phippsburg; daughters, Kimberly Gerow and husband Aaron of Woolwich and Lisa Koehling and husband David “Skidder” of Phippsburg; brothers, Alvin F. Hill and wife Rosalie of Damariscotta, John D. Hill and wife Sheila of Wiscasset, and William “Billy” S. Hill and wife Lynn of Bath; sisters, Marjorie Reinertson of Bath, Elaine Hopeck and husband Tom of Bradenton, Fla., and Judy Preble and husband Clarence “Chip” of Georgetown; 14 grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visiting hours will be from 4-7 p.m., Sat., Nov. 14 at Daigle Funeral Home, 819 High St., Bath with an Elks service and American Legion Service at 5 p.m. A funeral service with military honors will be held at 1 p.m., Sun., Nov. 15 at the former United Church of Christ on Congress Ave. in Bath.
Memorial contributions may be made to The American Lung Association, 122 State St., Augusta, ME 04330.
Condolences may be made online at www.DaigleFuneralHome.com.