James Leon Hill, Jr. was born on August 28, 1942, in Okmulgee to James and Velma Hill. He was the firstborn of two children to the union. He was educated in Okmulgee public school system, attending Attucks, Fort Elementary and graduating from the historic Dunbar High School in the class of 1960. After graduation, he attended Langston University in Langston for one year.

James married Delois Brinkley in 1964, and to this union one daughter was born. The marriage later dissolved. Later, he was married to Joyce Richardson for 42 years, and he gained one son and one daughter.

James attended OSUIT in Okmulgee, earning a degree in electrical construction and worked in that area until he retired. He loved his family and his family loved him because he would assist them in any way he could. James was a man of many talents, he loved a challenge. He loved playing Sudoku, dominoes, shooting pool, laughing and watching MSNBC.

James was preceded in death by his parents, James and Velma’ grandparents August 28, 1942 – October 18, 2023

Lonnie and Texanna Hill, Ellen Ward, Glenn Ward; several uncles; aunts; cousins; one grandchild T.J. Hammon; and one nephew, Steven Tarkington.

Survivors include his wife Joyce of the home; three daughters, Donna Perry, Okmulgee, Demetrice Hammon, Detroit, Mich.; Christy Richardson, Okmulgee; two sons, Lavender Hammon, Okmulgee and Lamar (Keyna) Richardson, Morris; one sister Delores Tarkington, Okmulgee; 16 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren; four aunts, Jewayne Brown, Wichita, Kansas, Bernice Biglow, Okmulgee, Gayle Ward, Tulsa, and Josephine Ward, Okmulgee; one uncle Kenneth (Pat) Ward, Tulsa; two sisters-in-law Susie Crawford, Okmulgee and Alice Richardson, Beggs; one brother-inlaw Harvey Richardson, Okmulgee; several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He had a close relationship with his nephew Stanley Tarkington and taught him many of his skills.

A public viewing will be held Friday, October 27, 2023, from 1-6 p.m. at Keith Biglow Funeral Home, 1601 N. Wood Drive in Okmulgee. Funeral service will be held Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 11 a.m. at St. Matthew Baptist Church, 1001 E. Chicago in Okmulgee.

Arrangements are under the direction of Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc. – Okmulgee Chapel.