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James Mack Hills Obituary
After four years in the Air Force, Jim completed his bachelor's degree in 1962, followed by his master's degree in 1968 and his doctorate in 1972, all from the University of Kansas. Jim was a versatile and unique educator, beginning his career as a high school teacher, then principal at Valley Falls High School, then the Director of Education at Kansas State Penitentiary in Lansing, then 2 years as the Administrator of Trinity Episcopal Foster Home in Lawrence, then four years as the Superintendent of Andrew Drumm Institute in Independence, Missouri. Always wanting to live his life in Lawrence, Jim and his family returned to Lawrence and Jim completed his career as a professor at Haskell Indian Nations University.
He wrote multiple articles and participated as a presenter for many conferences during his career. He and his wife, Clenece, conducted hours and hours of workshops based on his book, FairPlay. His book Total Quality Management in the Classroom has been used as a textbook by many educators.
Jim always said that "nothing has a corner on being interesting" and he was a true Renaissance Man with interests in physics, carpentry, dirt (he was a Master Gardener), music, and pets. His rescue rat terrier Digby died in her sleep on May 20th and losing her and Jim within three days has overwhelmed his precious Jack Russell, Tusket. For years he has worked on the design of a Lordosis bed that would prevent pressure ulcers, spawned by his years on the board of the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging and realizing that pressure ulcers might be prevented with the design of this bed.
Jim and Clenece were married on Christmas Day, 1962. He is survived by his wife, Clenece Roberts Hills, and his children Shane Alexander Hills (Elizabeth) Overland Park, Anne Hills Woods, and Eve Hills Cummins (Jim) of Lawrence. Jim had such pride and joy in his seven grandchildren: Wyatt James Woods, James Cole Cummins, Zachary Thomas Stoll Hills, Rachel Vance Hills, Bryson Mack Cummins, Payton Deming Cummins, Grace Elizabeth Hills. He is survived also by his sister, Joyce Hills Harris of Las Vegas and many nieces and nephews. Preceding Jim in death were his parents and his sister Edith Hills Kay, his brothers Paul Robert Lent Hills and Douglas Charles Hills.
Jim liked to celebrate his "birth season" which began with Father's Day and ended with his birthday. Memorial services for James Arthur Hills, Ed.D. will be in early July 2023.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Lawrence Humane Society or KU Endowment.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Mack Hills
joel Ahlbrandt
September 27, 2023
Sincere condolences, Clenece. I regret losing touch with you. Perhaps you remember me from Valley Falls days, late 1967. I remember Jim as "Squire Hills" and regretted being drafted and losing touch with you two. I highly respected both of you.
I lost my wife, Sherry, in February. Difficult times .
my phone # 785 521 5871. Please call should you wish to say "hi" some day.
charles kincaid
June 4, 2023
Dr. Hills was great to talk with and a great patient. Thankyou Clenece for being his best Christmas present,keeping him Happy,and making his life a great adventure. with admiration and love Claudia and charley
Marsha Henry Goff
June 3, 2023
Ray and I appreciated Jim´s thoughtful curiosity, quiet humor and his love for his family and his dogs. He planned ahead so that he and Clenece could age in place in the home they loved. I know his absence leaves a big hole in the lives of his family and friends.
Clenece and family: I am so sorry for your devastating loss. You have my deepest empathy.
Mike Shurtz and Family
June 3, 2023
Clenece, wishing you peace at this difficult time.
Joe H. Vaughan
June 2, 2023
Clenece and Family:
May God's richest blessings be with you and yours as you pass through this difficult period of loss of a love one.
Joe
Brian craig
June 1, 2023
Clenece and the entire hills family my condolences on your loss of such a great man I have very great memories of working with Jim and picking his brain. Truly a man that could accomplish anything and keep u entertained while doing it like to say these life experiences helping mold me into the man I am today
Tod Roberts
June 1, 2023
We send our condolences to my sister Clenece and all the family and friends who appreciated Jim. He was a wonderful debating partner who used both logic and humor to make a point. May he rest in peace.
Tamara Fairbanks-Ishmael
June 1, 2023
Jim was a kind and gentle soul, and I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Sending you all love and hugs during this difficult time.
Eugenia Bryan
May 31, 2023
I have many very fond memories of Jim! His eyes saw. His ears heard. And when he spoke softly, gently, purposefully, what he shared was always worthy, often humorous. It was time to listen and share. Something good to hear was going to happen. He and I had many gentle conversations with this wise man at various events we shared. One on one mostly. How could anyone not love Jim when they got to know him? To Clenece, Shane, Anne and Eve and all of the Hills family, may you find peace passing all understanding as you relive the memories of his life and lessons with each of you.
Kitsy Gray
May 31, 2023
I´m so sorry for your loss. Praying you and your family will feel God´s peace and comfort.
Audrey Sloane
May 31, 2023
So sorry to hear of Dr Hills passing. My condolence goes out to you Clenece and all of the family. You´ll are not forgotten! Sending my thoughts, prayers Iand love to each of you.
Patricia M Anderson
May 31, 2023
Jim was truly a wonderful person. His smile was infectious and he always had a kind word. Many years of the Trinity Church Supper Club were celebrated on the deck that Jim built. He leaves a legacy to all who know him.
Julie Callahan
May 31, 2023
I am in shock. I am so very sorry. Oh, Clenece....how can I help?
I do know how hard this is. Sending prayers and love.
Sharon Condon
May 31, 2023
I am saddened to learn of Jim´s passing. He was a kind, sincere educator and colleague. May you and your family be comforted in your close relationships with him.
Sharon K Nelson
May 31, 2023
Jim was truly a Renaissance man, loved by many including my daughter and myself. Always kind and always a joy to talk to. He will truly be missed
My heartfelt condolences to Clenece, Eve, Anne and Shane.
Valerie Squires Foos
May 31, 2023
Jim was such an interesting man, as well as an amazing husband and father. I am thinking of all of you who loved him, knowing that his memory and sterling examples of ethical behavior will live on in you.
Tom & Linda Lee
May 31, 2023
We are so sorry to hear of Jim´s passing. Our prayers are with the family. God Bless you all.
Katie Armitage
May 31, 2023
Oh, Clenece, so sorry to hear this news. Sympathy to you and family.
Kay Rytting
May 31, 2023
My children shared with me the news of Jim's passing. I send prayers and love to Clenece and her family. May you be wrapped in God's love and comfort always.
Eve Levin
May 31, 2023
Jim and Clenece were mainstays of our "Faith Club"--an interfaith discussion circle that met monthly for years, until the covid pandemic. Jim's deep sense of ethics came through in every discussion, as did his lively interest in learning about other traditions' beliefs and observances. His memory is a blessing to everyone privileged to know him.
Judy Niebaum
May 31, 2023
Oh Clenece, I am thinking of you and your sweet family with such caring sympathy. Loving hugs to each of you!
Judy Niebaum
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