James E. Hill was born in Birmingham, Alabama on April 22, 1936 to the late Floria Maw Wynn and Leo Thomas.

James accepted Christ as his savior at an early age. James was also known as Jimmy by his family and close friends. He was an adventurous person. He lived in several different states: Tennessee, West Virginia, New York and Ohio. He served in the United States Army from 1952 to 1955 with an honorary discharge. James was the Patriarch of the family. James gave unconditionally whenever there was a need. He was a little guy with a big heart. James will be remembered for his unselfish spirit. He loved his family unconditionally. He loved to dance and have fun and take him a little nap from time to time. He also loved to play spades and would get upset if he didn’t win.

Once his lovely wife, Mattie, departed this earth in 2021, he moved to Cleveland, Ohio where he lived with his sister, Juanita and his loving niece Aleta. His Cleveland family loved on him and nurtured him to ensure that his latter days were his greater days.

He is survived by his 4 children, Michael Hill (deceased), Derrick Hill, Pamela Hill-Gaines (deceased), Regina Mangham, Lisa Hill, and Towanna Hill; 17 grandchildren, Shakeha, Shameeka, Michael, Talisha, Taheem, Shakema, Chan, Ashebia, Shantel, Lance, Kabar, Andrea, Steve, Akilah, James, Basheem and Gerie; 29 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his siblings: Juanita Thomas of Cleveland, Ohio; Audrey Winters of Michigan; Albert Wynn of Cleveland, Ohio; Samuel Wynn of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Louis Thomas of Michigan; Mozell Roseberry of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Marie McCauley of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Linda Anderson of Antioch, Tennessee; Ernestine Stewart of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Theresa Wynn of Chattanooga, Tennessee and Cassandra Pillows (Clifford) of Chattanooga, Tennessee; as well as a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.