Obituary for James “Jim” Hill

James “Jim” Hill passed away on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 7:18pm at the OSU James Hospital in Columbus, Ohio surrounded by his loving family.

Jim leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Dianna, his son, Eric (Rhonda) of Ridgeway, Ohio, his daughter, Emily (Ken) Stapleton of Ridgeway, Ohio and 4 grandchildren, Garrett Hill, of New York City, Logan Hill and partner, Jacob Butler, of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Elijah and Kennedy Stapleton, both in Ridgeway, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his parents John and Mildred Hill, father and mother-in law, Meredith and Avonelle Brien, brother, Donald, brother-in-law Ed Gale, and niece, Rebecca Gale, as well as his beloved canine buddies Abby and Millie.

Surviving are 2 sisters, Nancy Gale of Mt. Victory and Beth (Joe) Routt of Kenton, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Jim was born in Bremerton, Washington on June 16, 1945 while his father and family were stationed there for military service. They later moved to Upper Sandusky, where Jim spent his early childhood before moving to Ridgeway, where he spent his pre-teen and teenage years. He was a 1963 graduate of the last class of Ridgeway High School Tigers and a member of the Army Reserves between 1966 and 1971.

He married the love of his life, Dianna Brien on September 10, 1967, reuniting during college after being high school sweethearts. He was a skilled tradesman (Tool and Die Maker) for over 40 years with the Whirlpool Corporation in Marion, Ohio, from which he retired in 2008.

Jim was a man of many talents. In his earlier years, he enjoyed playing the guitar (especially around a campfire), drawing, and scrimshaw (ivory carving). He and Dianna were also active with the Ridgemont Part-Time Players community theater group years ago and Jim also helped build and paint many musical sets over the years at Ridgemont High School, both for his kids productions and again years later when his grandkids were in the productions. Jim was also an avid fan of both The Ohio State Buckeyes and The Pittsburgh Steelers. As he grew older he was very interested in antiques and enjoyed collecting cast iron cookware and Kenton Toys.

Jim taught youth Sunday School in his younger years at Epworth United Methodist in Kenton and later, he and Dianna attended both Ridgeway United Methodist and Mt. Victory United Methodist churches.

After retiring, Jim and Dianna enjoyed travelling as often as they could. Some of their favorite places included Africa, Italy (twice), Ireland, France, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland, as well as some U.S. favorites Yellowstone, Cape Cod, Alaska, and Hawaii. When they weren’t travelling, he enjoyed working in his yard and taking care of his trees and pond while his health allowed.

By far, Jim’s greatest joy was his family and grandchildren. He loved watching his grandkids in their sporting events and various activities and even more so, their music and dance performances and productions. He and Dianna travelled near and far to attend and never missed a show while his health allowed. He was so proud of his family and loved them so much.

Funeral Services for Jim will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at The Price-McElroy Funeral Home in Mt. Victory with Pastor Jmac Geissinger officiating. Burial will follow at Hale Cemetery. Friends and family may visit from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at the funeral home. 

Memorials may be made to the Hardin County Fair Association or you can choose to have a tree planted in his memory through the Price-McElroy Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be expressed at pricefh.net.