OBITUARY: Lieutenant Colonel James E. Hill

Lieutenant Colonel James E. Hill "The Colonel," 80, of Eldorado, died on Friday, Jan. 16, 2015, at his residence in San Diego, Calif., due to complications from Parkinson Disease.

He was born on Sept. 23, 1934, to the late Elmer I. and Sue B. Hill of Eldorado.

James received his bachelor's degree from Southern Illinois University. He had a 29 year career of honorable service as a pilot in the United States Air Force achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel prior to his retirement in 1982. James also enjoyed teaching for 33 years in the Eldorado Community School District before retiring in 1993.

He was predeceased by his wife Dorothy Jean Hill "Dottie." He is survived by his daughter, Jana Youssef; his son and daughter-in-law, Jason and Carla Hill, all of San Diego, Calif.; and four grandchildren, Cameron and Jordan Youssef and Lucas and Kyle Hill. He is also survived by his sister, Sydney Endicott; a niece, Holly Bryant and a nephew, Darr Kuykendall all of Moody, Texas.

Visitation will be held at Watson Funeral Home in Eldorado, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015, followed immediately by a Memorial Service at 1 p.m. Burial services will be at Wolf Creek Cemetery with Military Rites.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers donations be made to The National Parkinson Foundation.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at watsonfuneralhome.net