James (Jim) Michael Hill, 82, of Helena, Montana, passed away on September 15, 2024.

Born in Billings, Montana, on January, 20th 1942 to John Oliver Hill and Margaret Lillian Hill (Hoffman), Jim attended school in Billings before enrolling at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, where he played quarterback for the football team from 1960 to 1963.

He married Dianne Rae Hill (Carlson) on August 25, 1962, and together they welcomed two children, Tobi Lynn and Michael Todd. After hanging up his cleats, he dove into the world of management and marketing in Sheridan and Billings and later, the family made their home in Casper, Wyoming. He then  served as the Marketing Director of Athletics in Laramie at the University of Wyoming.

Jim and Dianne eventually returned to Montana in the Bitterroot Valley, where he worked as an insurance agent for several years. They also ran a llama ranch, cherishing every moment with their grandchildren.

In 2004, they made the move to Helena to be close to family. Jim found joy in coaching his son Michael and grandson Brock in baseball—truly a home run! A passionate sports fan, he proudly supported NCAA basketball, baseball, and football. He contributed to Bluebird Trails in Helena, nurturing bluebird nests throughout the valley. Never one to skip a beat, he was an  advocate for personal fitness and always took daily walks with his beloved dogs throughout the years.

In his later years, he looked forward to Sunday lunches with Dianne and Michael, attended countless games and dance recitals for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and beamed with pride as he watched his family uphold his values of hard work and kindness. As Jim would say, "Always be totally dedicated and give 100%."

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, John Oliver Hill (father), Margaret Lillian Hill (mother), and Alyssa Erin Reidy (granddaughter).

He is survived by Dianne Rae Hill (wife), Michael (Wendy) Hill (son), Tobi (Jim) Richens (daughter), his grandkids, Jamie (Dax) Hoovestal, Maggie (Kaden) Danielson, Emily Elizabeth Hill, and Brock (Abby) Hill, and his great-grandchildren, Hayes Henry Hoovestal, Jaymes Renee Hoovestal, Van Raye Danielson, Blaine Hudson Hill, and Heidi Jaye Danielson.