 Hill is recognized for his achievements and represents the Character Counts! trait of Caring. The six honorees all represent one of the six traits and will be depicted with their trait on a Character Counts! poster placed in all classrooms in FISD for a year.
James Edward Hill graduated from Friendswood High School in 1961. In high school he was involved in many school activities such as football where he was elected Captain, band, choir, Student Council and wood shop where he built a complete bedroom suite. He continued his education at LeTourneau College in Longview until his call from Uncle Sam. He served in the US Army as an Artillery Surveyor Specialist in Korea. During an Army interview he was asked, “Have you lived in Friendswood all your life?” Jim replied, “Not yet.” Upon completion of distinguished military service, Hill returned to Friendswood and has lived here since.
After the service, he co-managed the Phillips Service Station owned by brother Arden C Hill, Jr. From 1968-1970, he was the plant manager of the JR May Company formerly Cecil Brown Fig Company, the last fig canning operation left in Friendswood. As an entrepreneur in 1970, he started his career as a grading contractor and enjoys this career to this day since it allows him the opportunity to give back to his community. Also during this period, he had a significant cattle operation on West Ranch.
Hill is the youngest of seven children of Arden C. Hill Sr. and mom Winnie. He has been married to Debra Andrews Hill (Class of 1969) for 31 years and the two have two sons, Adam with wife Brandee and children Austin and Avery and James with wife Katrina and son Graham. The three grandsons attend Cline Elementary.
Regarding community involvement, Hill was a member of the early Friendswood Volunteer Fire Department. He designed and built the monument sign at First Baptist Church honoring his parents and donated by him and his sisters. He graded many sports fields at no charge to the city and was elected to City Council in 2006. After Hurricane Ike this year, Hill helped find cleanup help for affordable rates for Forest Bend’s Park and worked 14-hour days with his forklift unloading 30 semi-trailer trucks at FEMA’s Centennial Park POD. As Council’s liaison to Galveston County Drainage District, Hill worked with the Corps of Engineers and TXDOT reducing flooding in Friendswood. He continues making the city government more user friendly for business and citizens. He is currently building the football field at Centennial Park at no cost. He obtained 400 yards of dirt from the Drainage District for the new field. |
