James Willis Hill

James Willis Hill, known to family and friends as “Willis,” peacefully departed this earthly life on Wednesday April 30, 2025, at his home in Silver Spring, MD.

Born August 2, 1935, in Silver Spring, MD, he was the youngest of three siblings. He was preceded in death by his parents, John W. Smith and Sadie M. Hill, and his siblings Warrick & Margaret Hill, and Lucy McKinney.

James graduated from the Montgomery County Public School System. As a young man, he loved playing baseball, golfing, and was an exceptional bowling player. He was one of the top players in the bowling league with his amazing curveball skills.

In September 1, 1953, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and then was honorably discharged and then went to school for engineering. 

After returning home from service, he was employed with Operations Engineering Local 077, where he worked for over 50 years as a heavy equipment engineer, where he later retired.

James enjoyed spending time with his faithful friend Jackson Carney, playing golf, horse racing, bowling, and card playing, along with their other friends, until health issues prevented him from doing so. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandkids, especially his granddaughter Tiffany, where they had countless adventures and good times. His favorite thing to do was to go to the casino with his wife Joyce and daughter Debbie (Ricky). He really enjoyed watching sports games.

James was a very funny and down-to-earth man, he loved to tell jokes and make people laugh. Anytime that you went to visit him, he would tell the most amazing stories, and you would just be very interested to listen because they were just that good.

James leaves to cherish loving memories, his wife of over 51 years, Joyce Hill; his 5 sons, Howard “Randy” (preceded him by death), Calvin J., Ross J., Mark R. (Wanda) & Anthony J. (Jenny) Hill; his 2 daughters Debbie A. (Ricky) & Judy I Hill; 14 grandchildren, Randy Jr., Adrian, Rakita, Justin, Maelika, Ashley, Dewayne, Starr, James, Taylor, Ana, Tiffany, Shalill, Evan; 7 great-grandchildren, 3 sister in laws, 3 brother in laws (1 preceded him by death) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A special acknowledgement to his great-grandson, Isaiah Hill, who always understood him, visited him, helped to care for him during his visits, and gave him some great laughs. His niece, Octavia Hill, who provided a safe and comfortable place for him to live. His daughter, Judy Hill, who made sure that his room was clean and would watch tv with him. And to his daughter Debbie Hill, who did almost everything to help care for him. She would go to his house every morning and evening to make sure that he had everything he needed from medicine, to food, to just conversation. She dedicated so much time and care, and he appreciated her so much for all that she did for him, even up until the time of his passing. That was his “bestest,” as he would call her.

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