Obituary of James Russell Hill
“If you wind up with a boring, miserable life because you listened to your mother, your dad, your priest, to some guy on television, to any of the people telling you how to do your (stuff), then you deserved it.” - Frank Zappa (Jim’s ultimate hero)
James Russell Hill, 75, was the epitome of “living life on your own terms.” The hardest of hard heads, Jim was one of the most passionate, off-the-wall thinking, artistic, coolest free spirits there ever was. He loved talking about all things related to Pittsburgh sports, politics, alternative medicine, aliens, and all the places in the world that he wanted to visit “some day.” He also enjoyed listening to music at deafening levels while simultaneously watching tv, scrolling TikTok, and trying to carry on conversations with whomever was in the room - truly a special talent of his.
A 1966 graduate of East Fairmont High School, an incredibly talented Jim spent most of his life as an artist. He graduated from the Art institute of Pittsburgh in the early 70’s and began hand painting billboards in the Clarksburg/Bridgeport area. His career later branched to graphic design at A&P Printing and West Virginia University before retiring from Creative Label as a lithographer. He also had a passion for ceramics and opened JR’s Arts and Crafts studio in Fairmont crafting his own molds, pouring his own products, and teaching classes with the help of his then wife, Brenda.
Jim passed away peacefully at Ruby Memorial Hospital on March 31. He is survived by his two daughters, Heather Shae and husband Brogan Rose and Autumn Nicole and wife Lauren Lamb; three grandchildren, Katelyn Pasquarelli and partner Christopher Buzzo, Hunter Morgan and Deegan James Rush; one great-granddaughter, Adalynn Shae and one on the way, Haven Louise; and special caretakers, Tarina Swiger and Kriss Cecil-Crihfield.
Our hearts find comfort that he is reunited with his late mother, Betty Louise (Middleton) and father, Russell William Hill.
Memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s name to the National MS Society, P.O. Box 91891, Washington, DC 20090-1891, https://donate.nationalmssociety.org/campaign/jameshill.
The family has entrusted the arrangements to the Ford Funeral Home, Ford Chapel, 201 Columbia Street, Fairmont, WV 26554. Following Jim’s wishes, there will not be a traditional memorial service. Instead, the family will have a celebration of life at a later date and spread his ashes in those “some day” places he talked so much about. Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com.
