Reverend James E. Hill

TRANSITIONS

(Obituary)

Introduction

Life is a series of transitions: from baby-to-child, child-to-teenager, teenager-to-adult; adult-to-nonphysical. While the corporeal and nonphysical stages are often given recognition; and the ice-cold facts of accomplishment and accreditation mechanically enumerated; this account attempts to communicate the warmth of true experience by carefully selecting glimpses into the life of one extraordinary individual on his journey toward meaningful living. Is this portrayal different? Very. Unusual? Maybe. But it shows how one man who shines beyond the ordinary positions himself for future greatness.

Transition 1: ENTERING THE WORLD

Nestled within the womb of Susie G-Hill, James Hill—sixth of seven siblings—enters the world's stage January of 1940 tucked within the green, pine-tree regions of Arkansas. Though unrevealed how the warmth of this special child destined for greatness would later generate a ripple throughout a predestined consortium of humanity—being a member of the 'Silent Generation' (1925-1942) just prior to the 'Baby Boomers'; the discovery would remain a mystery--unknown for years to come-- until he reached and settled in his final destination of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Transition 2: THE MAKING OF THE MAN

As a young man homegrown in the Bluffs of Arkansas, James attends the Merrill High School, graduating with honors as valedictorian of the class of 1957 with over three-hundred competing students whose intellectual candles could not withstand his academic torch. As he harnesses this passionate energy to blaze a path toward earning more credibility, he establishes his presence teaching the complexities of equations as a mathematician in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Illinois. But at this stage very few would have the insight to see that these were seeds being planted for a harvest to come.

Transition 3: BEHIND EVERY GOOD MAN EXISTS A GOOD WOMAN

Then it happens. Not the unthinkable. The one thing, which at least temporarily, changes a man's focus... A woman. While attending the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in 1960, in an American Institution class, he catches a glimpse of a young lady sitting in the front row where the A-students usually situate. Although his time-challenged arrivals left him seated in the back of the class, he managed to capture her attention--on his long walk to his seat. As he spots her on campus one day, the following dialog sparks the beginning of his newfound pursuit as he rushes to engage the focused, swift-footed young woman in at least a brief conversation: JAMES: Where are you going in such a hurry? MARILYN: To the cafeteria. JAMES: May I walk along with you? MARILYN: If you hurry up…. Though not initially impressed with his cool, jacket-over-the-shoulder, Pine Bluff swag, she later melts under his attempts at Old-School charm: "Roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet and so are you." A year later, in December of 1961, they marry. The mystery of what was to come begins to unfold, but for the most part his calling remains an enigma.

Transition 4: MATHEMATICIAN TO MINISTER

In August of 1965, James and his new wife Marilyn pack their bags and set sights on the temperamental climates of Oklahoma as he attends Oral Roberts University Theological Seminary with six hundred other students to which he offers services tutoring mathematics. Now, somewhat groomed for gospel ministry through his theological training, his quest sends him throughout the country to serve as a disciple of tent revivals witnessing first-hand the dramatic impact of the gospel of Christ upon broken, outcast humanity by which is birthed the inspiration for new vision, new purpose-- more meaningful life. Now the mystery unfolds and its shadow gives way to a beautiful horizon as he begins his family in 1966 while in pursuit of a new dream to establish the gospel and to embellish the lives of others with more significance.
In 1976 James Hill and his wife launches his ministry with humble beginnings at the Young Men's Christian Association
Reverend James E. Hill (YMCA) later to move that same year to a pale-yellow, cinder-block building on 46th St. North, Tulsa, OK, amidst a challenged community where he would receive ample opportunities-- for over four decades-- to pour good news into downtrodden souls, uplift the fallen, and train many others who disperse throughout the country to become ministers of the same. Upon engaging a plethora of misguided neighborhood folk, it led him to advancement, attending and graduating from Rhema Bible Training Center. After years of hard work and dedication, he becomes a prolific writer, producing tools which would assist in providing clearer vision and life focus to those in need.
And though accredited (amongst family) with the unchallenged title as the only one who would drink buttermilk and snack on sardines with crackers; sneaking in an occasional hotdog (or two)—he revamps his culinary lifestyle to reflect his training as he acquires a Doctorate of Naturopathy and graduates from the Institute of Natural Health in Tulsa, OK. Observing extreme difficulties in food disciplines among people inspires such literary works as: TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR LIFE –A COMPREHENSIVE DIETARY STUDY GUIDE.

Transition 5: A BEACON IN THE DARKNESS

On the night of spiritual transition March 31, 2019, when those trained in the art of resuscitation were performing their procedures, something unusual happens. As previously described by ancient African tradition, an individual transfers from the physical body to that which is spiritual. As patients in medical facilities, many have witnessed first-hand, the phenomena of floating above the body and observing events below. But what makes this story unusual is not the spiritual gazing down upon the physical—but rather the physical gazing at the spiritual.
It is the following day that the assistant pastor and his wife visit the home of Pastor James Hill and family, and while offering condolences, asks the question: "Do you have a light above your chimney?" She answers "no" and then inquires as to "why?" She recounts that her mother, who lives on the next street over – while looking outside – saw a light hovering above the chimney of the Hill house that night. In the moment, she did not want to believe her eyes, so she grabs a pair of binoculars to look again. Still in disbelief, she gets into her car and actually travels to the next street over to view whatever it was she was actually seeing. The light hovering above the chimney was still there. However, what she did not know, is that the body—still in a state of suspended animation-- was less than fifteen feet away from the chimney, which is within the usual circumference of a human spirit taking temporary leave from a body. So even in the state of spiritual transition, he manages to leave a legacy of light shining amongst the darkness. "…they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever." –Daniel 12:3

Transition 6: THE VISION

So where does this leave the vision? The vision shall continue. A wide assortment of teaching materials that represent many years of thought, hard work, and fervent dedication are still available to instruct and equip believers in the kingdom with the necessary tools to produce the fruit of the Word of God. These Biblical systems—carefully prepared with questions, answers, notes and explanations-- will continue to be used to give direction toward the unfolding of God's plan and purpose for our lives. For these wonderful legacies we proclaim within the spiritual hearing of James Hill: Thank you. Conclusion Though only a sampling of brief moments are articulated, it nonetheless, helps exemplify the artistry of one spirit – one soul – and one life on its path to extraordinary greatness. And though James Hill is experiencing more enjoyment than us all who are present this day, when we transition and join him, let it also be said of us among a host of our ancestors "Well done thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. "—Matthew 25:21

Having received the Lord at age 21, Pastor James Hill passionately pursued three areas of focus: Prayer, Praise, and Soulwinning. His loving memory shall forever be cherished by his posterity and siblings as living legacies as well as a host of friends and acquaintances: Wife (of 57 years): Marilyn Hill, three children: Kimberly (Baron) Hill-Thrower; R. Hill; Derrick (Tia) Hill; three grandsons: Arthur Thrower, Justice Hill; Daxton Hill; siblings: Saint Dewitt Hill, Sara Naomi Thompson, Doris Watson, Bettye Williams; and a hosts of cousins, friends, relatives and acquaintances

In the Early Morning Hours of Sunday March 31, 2019, Reverend James E. Hill Closed His Eyes, Awakening in Eternal Refreshment.

The Farewell Tribute for Reverend James E. Hill will commence on Saturday afternoon, April 6, 2019 at 1:00 PM in the Northside Christian Center, 844 E 46th St. North, in Tulsa.

Burial will follow in the Floral Haven Cemetery in Tulsa.

You may visit Reverend Hill on Friday, April 5, 2019 from 2 PM until 7 PM at the funeral home in Tulsa.