Mr. Jimmy Dale Hill, of Ellijay, passed away on Tuesday, July 18, 2017, to eternally be with his wife of 51 years, Linda Kirk Hill. He died in his beloved home, situated within sight of the Ellijay River, surrounded by the 3 most wonderful daughters any parents ever had.

Jim will always be remembered for his love of family, friends, community and the natural beauty of Gilmer County, where he resided for the past 14 years. He was a true conservative and wouldn’t hesitate to tell you.

He was born in Atlanta, Georgia on March 11, 1943 to parents Jerome Dodson Hill and Dorothy Lee Crosby Hill. Most of his life was spent in the greater Atlanta area where he attended John B. Gordon Elementary school, Murphy High school and was graduated from Smith Evening High school where he was Salutatorian of the class of 1962. He received a Sears Roebuck academic scholarship and attended Georgia State University for 2 years.

Among the many sports in which he participated, he loved football the best, making the varsity team in his sophomore year but played varsity baseball in his freshman and sophomore years. He also played basketball for Murphy for 3 years. Jim was also class president for 3 years at his beloved Murphy High and was captain of most teams he played on.

His working career spanned almost 48 years and included 15 years at Rich’s Department Stores, 18 years at The West Bend Company and ended his career at The Home Depot after 15 years, as Kitchen Cabinet coordinator.

In 2003, he retired, where he and his wife, built her dream home on the banks of the Ellijay River in the Cherrylog community of Goose Island Hideaway, traveling and enjoying family and friends. He was an active member of the community serving as Treasurer and Board member of Goose Island for 3 years and to be followed by 3 years as President of the Cherrylog Community Club. He also enjoyed being part of the Gilmer County Tea Party movement.

He enjoyed 50’s and 60’s music, trout fishing, reading, travel, cooking, helping others and being with family and friends.

Jim was baptized at Moreland Ave. Baptist Church in Atlanta and maintained his spiritual beliefs lifelong. Most of his friends in the area will remember him as an honest man who always did what he said, the best he could.

He is survived by 3 wonderful daughters, Angela Hill Tatum and her husband Jeff, of Dacula, GA, Robin Stabell, Savannah, GA, Kristin Leigh Hill West and Husband JD, Santa Rosa Beach, FL. 7 grandchildren, 2 brothers and 2 sisters.

Preceding him in death was his wife of 51 years, Linda Kirk Hill, father, Jerome Hill, mother, Dorothy Coleman, son, James Robert Hill, grandson, Daniel Tatum, and much loved stepfather Joel H. Coleman.

Funeral services will be held Friday, July 21, 2017 at 12 noon from the Cherrylog Christian Church with Rev. Jerry Johnson officiating. Interment will be In the Rock Creek Baptist Church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donations to The American Cancer Society www.cancer.org or The Arbor Day Foundation www.arborday.org.

The family will meet with friends Thursday from 5:00pm until 7:00 pm at the funeral home.