Rev. James Edward Hill

 

The sun rose on December 17, 1939 for James Edward Hill in Calhoun, Oklahoma.  To Clarence and Emma Hill of Calhoun, Oklahoma. The sun set on his life at the age of 81,      November 5, 2021.

At an early age, James met the love of his life, Gertie Lee Embry, and they were married December 30, 1957.  

James completed high school while also serving our nation in the US Navy. After six years of service, James and Gertie began growing their family.  In 1972, after the prompting of the Holy Spirit, Gertie’s prayers were answered and James accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.  A year later, James and Gertie accepted the call into the ministry.  Reverend James Hill served as a bivocational Pastor throughout the state of Oklahoma up until his departure from this earth. He received his first Ordination from the Assemblies of God in 1989, and received his second Ordination by the Pentecostal Faith Fellowship in 2015.  

James is survived by his wife, Gertie, and their three children: Debora Junell Brown nee Hill daughter of Gans, Oklahoma, Kimberly Kay Jenkins nee Hill (Tommy) of Poteau, Oklahoma, and James Brian Hill (Cathy) of Geneva, Illinois.   His grandchildren: Joshua Hammers, Brittany Lee Jenkins, Brent Howard James Jenkins (Kyla), Tera Glyn Stewart (Bobby), Evan Ross Holt (Katie), Shelby Drake, Slater Kelton Brown, Bailey James Hill (Anya), Steeleman Kenner Brown, Beau Brian Hill, Lily Hill, Ava Joy Hill.  And great grandchildren, Kyjia Jenkins, Kruze Jenkins, Kamdin Jenkins, Drake Howard Jenkins, Rayna Jo Jenkins, Lincoln Harvel, Olivia Harvel, Emmitt Holt, Ethan Holt, and Alta Marie Holt. Step great grandchildren: Bobby Stewart Jr, and Bradly Stewart.  James is also survived by 13 foster children that he and Gertie welcomed into their home over the course of their 60 year marriage.

            Jim Elliot, missionary to Ecuador, once said: ``He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” This was the life of Reverend James Hill.  He gave selflessly to all who knew him.  No one that he ever met stayed a stranger and he never hesitated to tell acquaintances and friends alike about the love of Christ that had so dramatically changed his life.  He was a kind and loving man who adored his wife and family.  He had an infectious laugh and loved to discuss the Bible, history and world events.

His last earthly church family was Bethel Lighthouse, Panama, Oklahoma.  He served as their beloved pastor and friend from 2009 to 2021.

            Although we grieve, we know without doubt that he has been greeted by Jesus with the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).  We rejoice in his life and in the legacy he has imparted to all who knew him, all who sat under his teaching, and all who loved him.

Services will be 2 pm, Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at Bethel Lighthouse, 707 Indiana, Panama, OK with Rev. Rick Goodin and Rev. Rick Stout.  Visitation will be 6-8 pm, Monday evening at the church.

            Burial will follow at Shady Point Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Joshua Hammers, Brent Howard James Jenkins, Evans Ross Holt, Bailey James Hill, Steeleman Brown, Beau Brian Hill, Slater Brown, Bobby Stewart.

            A special thank you is extended to San Bois Hospice for their excellent care.