Pastor Jim Hill (January 5, 1952 — August 30, 2026)
Pastor Jim Hill, age 74, of Palmerdale, Alabama passed away Sunday, August 30, 2026. Born in Grand Junction, Michigan on January 5, 1952, Jim was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, William Lee Hill, Jr. and Marjorie Pugh Hill. He is survived by his loving and supportive wife of 55 years, Julia Bunch Hill and their two sons: Jimmy (Evelia) Hill and Jason (Kim) Hill. Jim was the proud grandfather of Jordan (Tasia) Hill, Morgan (Landon) Wallace, Jace Hill, Jeremiah Hill, Jake Hill, Kaydiann Hill, Jackson Hill, Sam Leach, Johan Limon and great grandson Chandler Hill. Jim is also survived by his brother, Bill Hill and sisters Janis Hildreth, Jeanine (Paul) Ivy, and Marcia (Ted) Dennis.
Jim was a 1970 graduate of Bloomingdale High School in Michigan, where he lettered in football, baseball and basketball. His football team was conference champions in each of his 4 years in high school. In 2025, Jim, along with the class of 1970 football team, was inducted into the Bloomingdale Athletic Hall of Fame for being undefeated in conference play four straight years. In 1971, Jim met the love of his life, Julia Bunch and they married in February of 1972, beginning their life together in Michigan as he worked for Ford Motor Company as a metal finisher. In 1973, Jim moved the family to Morristown, Tennessee to assist his brother Bill in opening Southland Piano & Organ Company. There, he sold a piano to Dr. Doug Ripley who led Jim to the Lord and became his pastor. In 1974, under the ministry of Dr. Ripley, Jim was called to preach. Jim became a full-time pastor in 1981 and moved to Alabama. In 1988 Jim was called as Pastor to Bible Baptist Church in Tarrant. In 1994, after significant growth, the church relocated and built a new building on Faucett Road in Pinson. The church was renamed to Cross Baptist Church. In 2020, Jim became the interim pastor of Robertson Chapel Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and served there for two years.
Jim loved to share the gospel with everyone he encountered and was instrumental in leading many souls to Christ. In retirement, Jim became very active in the Senior Olympics of Alabama and the National Senior Olympics, winning the gold medal in 2022 in basketball. Jim loved to spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Visitation will be Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Palmerdale Cross Baptist Church, 4950 Faucett Road, Pinson, Alabama followed by a service at 2:00 p.m. Immediately following the service, an escorted procession will travel to Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Trussville, Alabama for the Burial/Graveside. Serving as pall bearers are grandsons Jordan Hill, Jace Hill, Jeremiah Hill, Jake Hill, Jackson Hill, Sam Leach, Johan Limon and Landon Wallace. Dr. Doug Ripley and Dr. Jim Collins officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made for Baptist Missions in honor of Pastor Jim Hill online at palmedalecross.org or by check to Palmerdale Cross Baptist Church.
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