John "Jim" James Hill

On December 19, 2024, Mr. Jim Hill of Swan River, Formerly of Bowsman passed away at the age of 85 Years.

Survived by his loving wife Mary Hill and four children: Kathy (Todd) Ward and family of Brandon, Sharon (Fred) Coulter and family of Bowsman, David (Wanda) Hill and family of Bow Island, AB and Darryl (Lynn) Hill and family of Bowsman, 7 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by his parents David and Cora Hill, brother Donald Hill, sister Nellie and Harold Sauder, sister Isabelle Watts and Peter Watts, mother in law and father in law Doris and Leo Krys and sister in law Carol Krywy and Joanna (Jack) McKinnon.

Jim was born on July 22, 1939, in Swan River, MB to David and Cora Hill. He attended Hall School up to grade seven. When he was 16 years old, he travelled west to Williams Lake, BC by rail caring for horses, then working in the grocery store, sawmill and eventually finding employment in the nickel mine in Thompson, MB. It was at this time that he met Mary Kryszczyszyn of The Pas, MB. They wed on December 17, 1965, and welcomed their four children while living in Thompson. Mom and Dad celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary just two days prior to his passing.

In December of 1974 they moved back to Bowsman and lived at the Craigsford Corner where they farmed until 1995. Dad then took on a new career as school bus driver. A job he truly cherished until 2006 when his health forced him to retire fully.

Dad was extremely proud of his four children and their accomplishments. Grandpa was also very proud of all seven of his grandchildren who continue to carry on his strong work ethic. His greatest title though was by far “Gigi” to his 3 great grandchildren.

Dad was an avid armchair athlete, cheering on the Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Blue Jays, Saskatchewan Roughriders, and Winnipeg Blue Bombers, among other sports. Right up to the end, Dad was a keen cribbage player, teaching this to all his children and grandchildren.

Dad was a lifelong member of the Bowsman Lions and a member of the Swan River Legion. He enjoyed volunteering with the Lions organization and being part of the community.

Over the past few years Dad experienced many health challenges and some critical illnesses. The last three weeks his lungs and heart grew weak, though his will was strong. Eventually he became tired of the battle. The family wishes to thank the EMS personnel, Drs York and McKay, and the nurses and HCAs of SVHC.

If friends so desire, memorial donations in memory of Jim may be made to Swan Valley Health Facilities Foundation Box 1450 Swan River, MB R0L 1Z0 or Heart and Stroke Foundation PO Box 400 STN K Toronto, ON M4P 9Z9.