James 'Jim' Wade Hill

James "Jim" Wade Hill, Sr., CRE died May 28, 2013 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Lela Nadine (Johnson); his two children, Aimee Renee Eller (Danny), J. Wade Hill, Jr. and step-daughter, Kimberly Denise Sowder (Terry); his three grandchildren, Bailey Kaufman, Morgaine Eller and Larsen Eller; and sister, Virginia Ellen Hill, niece Victoria "Vicki" Hill and nephews, Curtis and Jeffrey Hill. Jim was born June 1, 1946 in Chicago, Illinois. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harold Joseph and Mildred Ellen (LaBier) Hill and his brother H. Joseph "Joe" Hill, Jr. For most of his career, he was the International Sales Manager for Indy Cylinder Head and retired in February 2013. He decided several years ago to repurpose his retirement years and serve the Lord in ministry. He pursued and earned a Diploma of Pastoral Studies from Louisville Theological Seminary. Jim recently accepted a call as a Commissioned Ruling Elder (Pastor) of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Rushville, Indiana. He was involved with automobiles his entire life, particularly in the racing and hot rod community. He was the Oval Track Manager at Indianapolis Raceway Park and is a lifetime member of the Cluster Busters Hot Rod Club. Jim was also a member of the National Hot Rod Association and spent many days on the drag strip at Indianapolis Raceway Park as a racer, race car owner, official and exhibitor. He built several hobby stock race cars in the '60's and '70's and raced at Raceway Park (Blue Island, Illinois), Salem Speedway, Louisville Raceway and Indianapolis Raceway Park. The Hill Family loved soap box derby racing. Jim enjoyed the time he was able to spend with children teaching them to build a winning soap box derby car. For several years, he held the position of Race Director and led the soap box derby team and many volunteers in producing great fun and successful race days. In helping lead the soap box, he not only help his own children, but many other kids to achieve their immediate goals through hard work and dedication. Jim was a Boy Scout and dedicated to serving the Boys Scouts of America in many leadership positions. Most recently, he served as the Moderator for the Presbyterian Relationship Committee of the Crossroads of America Council. Jim had a wonderful sense of humor, a boisterous laugh and huge personality. He was a great story teller and held everyone's interest with his tales. He enjoyed being with people and serving them. His hobbies included racing, Star Trek, SyFy, woodworking, travelling and spending loads of time with his family. In lieu of flowers, if you would like, please make donations to The SAWS Ministry of Second Presbyterian Church. You are invited to go to the Guest Book page to pass along your personal message or tell a story. Sincerely, -Your friends at Flanner and Buchanan