James Tomas Hill

James Tomas Hill, 85, of Benton, Arkansas went to be with the Lord February 12, 2023.  He was born April 4, 1937 in Paron, Arkansas to the late Lilburn and Sybil McDonald Hill.

James loved the Lord and devoted his life working for Him.  He was a member of Benton First Church of the Nazarene.  James was a graduate of the Nazarene Bible College in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  He served as pastor of several Nazarene churches including Danville, Ashdown, Mount Ida, and Benton-Valley View.  He also served as associate pastor at Benton First Church of the Nazarene and Calvary Nazarene Church in Little Rock.  James was also the camp director for South Arkansas in Mena for many years.  Family was very special to James and he enjoyed spending time with them.  James proudly served in the United States Navy.  He stood firm on the principle of serving God, Country, and Family.

Preceding James in death are his children:  Tina Friemel and Tonya Baldwin; parents, Lilburn and Sybil Hill; brothers:  Sharon, Robert, Harley, Charles, and Jack; and sisters:  Cleta Bell “Skeeter”, Inez, Ludell, Carolyn, and Brenda.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of sixty-six years, Sharon Marie (Colby) Hill of Benton, Arkansas; daughters:  Tammie Ayers and husband Buddy of Benton, Arkansas and Teresa Hinton and husband Mark of Benton, Arkansas; nine grandchildren:  Brandon Ayers, Beth Ayers and fiancé Adam, Amberly Thornton and husband Brad, Jared Friemel and wife Summer, Brittany Richey and husband Jason, Courtney Stott and husband Skylyr, Blake Ayers and wife Chesney, Baylea Ayers, and Stephanie Friemel; seven great-grandchildren:  Allie Fryar, Braeleigh Thornton, Ian Richey, Ethan Richey, Liam Camery, Sawyer Stott, and Emma Camery; sister, Geneva Parks of Tull, Arkansas; brother, Gary Hill of Paron, Arkansas; and many family members and friends who love James and will miss him always.

Memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, February 18, at Benton First Church of the Nazarene, 1203 W Sevier St, Benton, AR 72015.

Memorials may be made to Saline Memorial Hospice.

Arrangements entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.  Online guestbook:  www.SmithFamilyCares.com.