James A. 'Jim' Hill

James A. "Jim" Hill, 70, of Pullman, Wash., passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2013, surrounded by his loving family at home.

Jim was born May 26, 1943, in Havre, to Ray and Mildred (Bucklin) Hill. 

He grew up in Montana, graduating from Havre High School in 1961. Jim graduated from Montana State University in Bozeman in 1964 and lived in Denver, Colo., for a time after graduating. He married Cheryl Fossum on June 17, 1967, in Whitefish, Mont. In 1969 they moved to Pullman where Jim completed his masters of science degree in computer science. Jim continued on at Washington State University in the Computer Science Department, serving in various capacities throughout his 33-year career.

In 2001 Jim and Cheryl retired and began their retirement with trips to Norway and Germany. This was followed by many adventures traveling with Cheryl throughout the U.S. in their fifth wheel.

Not one to take himself too seriously, Jim had a wry sense of humor and always enjoyed a clever quip or joke. He was an avid fly fisherman and especially enjoyed hiking, fishing and backpacking in Glacier National Park with his family and friends. He also enjoyed woodworking and home improvement projects.  

Jim will be remembered for his love of life, sense of humor, unwavering integrity and his dedication to family and friends. Jim attended Trinity Lutheran Church in Pullman and was a member of the Lions Club and Clearwater Fly Casters Club. He was an alumni of the Sigma Nu fraternity. Jim is survived by his wife of 47 years, Cheryl; son, Eric Hill and wife Kerri of Pullman; daughter, Cherie Kummer and husband Jeff of Falls Church, Va .; five grandchildren, Marshall and Cade Hill and Markus, Owen and Grace Kummer; brother, Leland Hill of Spokane, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Warren; and sister, Jean Marie.

A memorial service celebrating Jim’s life will be held at 1 P.M., Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2013, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1300 NE Lybecker St., in Pullman.

Private interment will be held at the Pullman Cemetery.  Kimball Funeral Home of Pullman, is caring for the family.

Memorial donations are suggested to the Pioneer Nursing Scholarship Fund at the Montana State University Foundation, PO Box 172750 Bozeman, MT 59717, in honor of Jim’s mother who was a pioneer nurse or the Glacier National Park Conservancy at http://www.glacierconservancy.org.  Online condolences may be sent to http://www.kimballfh.com.