Former Rochester resident, Mr. James J. “J.J.” Hill I, 67 passed away on June 29, 2018 in Manilla, Philippines.

Born in St. Joseph County, on July 8, 1951, James Joseph Hill was the son of John Joseph and Shirley Faye Becker Hill. Growing up he shared his childhood with a brother Michael.

As an entrepreneur J.J. Hill owned General Contracting, where he was a heavy equipment operator. He owned a small fleet of heavy equipment and could run a bulldozer or backhoe with strategic precision and exceptional skill. From moving dirt to moving houses his operation was full service. When he wasn’t dozing he was working on the service, maintenance and repair of his machines keeping them in top condition.

To relax he loved to attend auctions on the weekends, garnering special treasures and antiques. He was a proud owner of a unique collection of rare antiques.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter Kira Shotts and husband Andy; a son, William Todd Adams and companion Janet Ponte of Mishawaka; two grandsons: Kale Shotts and Gavin Hill; a brother, Michael Hill and wife Sharena of Mishawaka; and two nephews: Jeremy Hill and Justin Hill. Preceding J.J. Hill in death are his parents John and Shirley Hill, an infant daughter Scarlett Hill in 1982, and two sons: Trevor Hill in 1982, and Jamie Hill II in 2008.

A celebration of the life of Mr. J.J. Hill will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 10, in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th Street, Rochester. The family will receive friends from 9-11 a.m., two hours prior to the service. They have requested that dress be casual and comfortable. Pastor Danny Honeycutt will officiate. A private family burial will take place in the Fulton Cemetery.