On August 28, 1942, in Okmulgee, the firstborn child of James and Velma Hill was born. They named him James Leon Hill, Jr. James was one of two children born to this union.

James began his early education in the Okmulgee Public Schools System. He attended Attucks, Fort Elementary eventually continuing on to graduate from the Historic Dunbar High School with the Class of 1960. After graduation, he attended Langston University in Langston, for one year.

In 1964, James married Delois Brinkley and to this union one daughter was born. This marriage later dissolved, and James later married August 28, 1942 – October 18, 2023

Joyce Richardson and they enjoyed 42 blessed years together gaining one son and one daughter.

James attended OSUIT in Oklahoma, earning a degree in Electrical Construction and worked in this industry 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. James loved playing Sudoku, dominoes, shooting pool as well as laughing and watching MSNBC.

James was preceded in death by: his parents, James and Velma Hill; grandparents, Lonnie and Texanna Hill, Ellen Wad and Glenn Ward; one grandchild, T.J. Hammon; one nephew, Steven Tarkington; several uncles, aunts and cousins.

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

The Final Tribute for James will commence on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at the Eleventh Hour in the most holy sanctuary of St. Matthew’s Missionary Baptist Church in Okmulgee. You may visit Mr. Hill, in the Chapel of Peace of the Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc., of Okmulgee on Friday, October 27, 2023, between the hours of 1-6 p.m. The Christian Committal will immediately take place following the services in the Okmulgee Cemetery.

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