James Hill

James Allen Hill began his journey through life on November 7, 1948 in Muskogee, OK. The first boy born to proud parents Allen and Dorothy L. Hill, he was the second of eight children born in this union. His older sister Peggy called him "Bubba" because she could not say brother. This nickname stuck with him through adulthood. The family moved to Detroit, MI; when James was a child and later to Albuquerque, NM. James attended the public school system in Albuquerque, New Mexico and graduated from Rio Grande High. As a young adult, James relocated to Denver, CO where he lived out his life. James developed a love for the Lord and was led to receive Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and was baptized at age eleven. From his youth, his God given gift of singing was obvious to all in hear shot. As a child, James enjoyed singing in the choir at Antioch Baptist Church. When relocating to Colorado, James immediately joined Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, where he was a member of the Adult, Male and Mass choir to name a few. James often sang in Gospel Ensembles throughout the city. Being led by the Holy Spirit James moved his membership to Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church, under Rev. Dr. Jules E. Smith, pastor. James was very active in the Adult and Male choir, and helped found The Men of Faith Gospel Group. James first experienced the love of golf and work at the age of nine, when he worked as a caddy at Four Hills Country Club. After completion of high school, James went on to working at Levi Straus to provide for his new son Tracy. James moved to Denver, CO, There he worked together with his brothers Alvin and Otis, and best friend Scottie, at Coors Brewery. He also worked at Gates Rubber Company, were again he practiced the family trait of praying, playing and working together bringing with him Otis, Elliott, Debra and his Dad. The whole family loved working together and winning all the prizes at the company's annual cookouts. Using his financial skills James moved his employment to Dunkin Buick Auto Dealership, where he met Otis Thornton, who ends up being a brother from another mother. "A WONDERFUL HUSBAND" The summer of 1984 is when James found the love of his life, Charlotte Hawkins. He remembered it like it was yesterday saying, "I was riding my motorcycle through City Park when I saw my love". It was then that they started their journey of love, James becoming a father figure to Charlotte's daughter Tambra and Charlotte stepping into Mom place for Tracy, Jamual and Chinyere. Charlotte says, "I remember the first time we met. I was at City Park waxing my car; these guys rode by on their motorcycles. We spoke, I kept waxing my car, and they came around a second time. I played it cool, and just smiled. The third time James stopped to talk, the next thing I knew, I was on the back of the bike, and we were riding away. "The rest is history." I'll remember the great vacations, even the golf trips. The great family time we had with the grand kids, and the times we were just being together. We had our moments, but the great times, make those moments fade away. James When a star falls, I shall wish for you, when the moon is new, I shall wish for you. When a bird looks into my window, when a leaf falls before me, when I find a fern in flower. I shall wish for you. The two joined in holy matrimony July 14, 2008. "OUR DAD" "OUR PAPA" "OUR FRIEND" James was blessed with two more children Chinyere and Jamaul. He raised his three children Tracy, Chinyere and Jamaul as a single parent. His children remember him as "Always being very supportive and dedicated to us". Our father is a man like no other. He gave us life, nurtured us, taught us, dressed us, fought for us, held us shouted at us, kissed us, hugged us, but most of all he loved us unconditionally. There are not enough words we can say to describe just how important our father was to us. And what a powerful influence he continues to be. "We Love You Dad and you will always live in Our Hearts" Tracy, Chinyere, Tambra and Jamaul Tracy remembers: When he was the only child and had his Daddy all to himself. His Dad encouraged him to succeed in karate class and helped him train when he was on the high school track team. He made him the talk of the neighborhood when he gave him a Shiny red "new-used" Celica for graduation Chinyere recalls "Taking Dad on a cruise for Father's Day, where we found out that his birthday, that we celebrated November 24th all these years, was actually November 7th. I truly bonded with my Dad throughout the years. Sherman recalled purchasing an automobile and Dad teaching him great bargaining skills. He also remembers him saying "Let your hands do the walking". Jamaul remembers "Getting schooled on the pool table on Thursday nights, He will cherish all the "Men talks they shared". He appreciated how his Dad always had his back. In the later years, his (12) twelve grandchildren and (2) great-grandchildren were born. "Papa" was the name they called him. Among the many memories we have of our Papa the ones we will cherish the most are when he helped us with our homework, building snowman's , playing with our toys and teaching us how to play golf. He loved God and Service to Others In 2002 Dorothy's Soft Touch Assisted Living facility was founded by James and Chinyere. James: thur much prayer was lead to name the facility after and in memory of his mother, the late Dorothy Lee Hill. The staff remembers him for always helping those that needed it the most, his smile and always singing to the seniors to brighten their day. His love, humor, strength, and kindness will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to have had this wonderful man in their lives. LOVED AND RESPECTED BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM To everything there is a season And a time to every purpose Under the heavens A time to be born and a time to die Eccl. 3:1 The Lord called James from labor to his reward on March 22, 2013. He's proceeded in death by his parents, Allen & Dorothy L. Hill, his brother Otis C. Hill, sister Helen Strouthers, and nephew Oscar L. Hill. Those left to cherish his memory include his Loving wife Charlotte, his sons Bryan (Trish) Easter of Killeen, TX, Tracy A. Hill and Jamaul L. Hill, daughters Chinyere A. (Sherman) Joiner, Tambra Johnson all of Aurora, CO. Siblings Peggy A. (Charles) Harris Albuquerque, NM, Alvin K. (Carla) Hill Centennial CO, Ronnie L. (Renee) Hill Columbus OH, Debra Hargrove, Silverene (Brian) McClain both of Aurora CO, Elliott L. Hill (Chavez Allen) Denver, CO. Twelve (12) grandchildren, Two (2) great-grandchildren: a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

Visitation: 4/2/2013 at 4:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 4/3/2013 at 11:00 AM - Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church - 1500 Dayton Street, Denver, CO
Cemetery: Private Cremation
Family Gathering: 4/3/2013 - Following the Service Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church - 1500 South Dayton Street, Denver, CO