Honoring the Life and Dedicated Service of Colonel James L. Hill, Sr.
by Representative Jeff MillerPosted on 2013-01-18
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MILLER
of florida
in the house of representatives
Friday, January 18, 2013
Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the
life of Northwest Florida's beloved Colonel James L. Hill, Sr. Colonel
Hill was a native Northwest Floridian who served his nation with honor
and distinction, while also working tirelessly as an educator and
leader in his community.
Colonel Hill was born in the small town of Lakewood in Walton County,
Florida on February 1, 1925. Colonel Hill attended public schools in
Walton County, before graduating from Tivoli High School in DeFuniak
Springs, Florida. After his high school career, Colonel Hill began his
studies at Florida A&M University.
Colonel Hill put his studies on hold, however, to answer the call of
duty during World War II. Colonel Hill entered the United States Army
as a Private, serving bravely in the European Theater. After the war
ended, Colonel Hill returned to his studies at Florida A&M University;
however, he decided to remain in the Army Reserve to continue serving
his nation.
After graduating from Florida A&M, Colonel Hill married his college
sweetheart, Jounice, and together they accepted positions at Carver
Junior High School in Florala, Alabama. Colonel Hill was working as the
Principal of Carver Junior High, when he was recalled to active duty
during the Korean War. Colonel Hill was ready to answer his nation's
call, and he again served with honor and distinction with the 45th
Combat Infantry.
Colonel Hill finished his tour in Korea and returned to Northwest
Florida to continue his career in education. He took a position as the
Principal of Drew Elementary School in Baker, Florida. His successful
tenure at Drew was the beginning of an exemplary career that saw
Colonel Hill serve as a principal at four different schools in Okaloosa
County, Florida including 26 years at Florosa Elementary School.
While serving in the Army Reserve and as a school principal, Colonel
Hill also continued his education receiving both a master's and
doctorate degree in education. Colonel Hill also excelled in his
reserve service, and in 1975, after completing Command and General
Staff College, he was promoted to the rank of Colonel. Colonel Hill
continued to serve in the Army Reserve until his retirement in 1981. In
1994, Colonel Hill retired from the Okaloosa County School District
after having worked as a teacher and principal for nearly 40 years, and
his excellent service to the State of Florida was recognized with a
gubernatorial proclamation from Governor Lawton Chiles.
Outside of his outstanding leadership as an educator and a member of
our Armed Forces, Colonel Hill was also a true leader in the Northwest
Florida community. Colonel Hill served as President of the Community
Action Program in Fort Walton Beach, as well as Vice President of the
Fort Walton Beach Civic League. He was also a longtime member of the
Okaloosa County NAACP, and in 2009 he was recognized as the Okaloosa
County Branch NAACP Centennial Celebration Legacy Honoree. Colonel
Hill's outstanding achievements and legacy were also recorded for
posterity in his autobiography Sawmill, A Family Affair, which won the
Palm Beach County African Diaspora Award.
To some, Colonel James Hill will be remembered as a patriot, who
answered the call of duty on numerous occasions with honor, distinction
and bravery. To others, he will be remembered as a committed educator
and a leader in civic society. To his family, Colonel Hill will always
be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, and proud
grandfather. His contributions to our nation and his community will not
be forgotten.
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it gives me
great pride to honor the life and service of Colonel James L. Hill, Sr.
My wife Vicki joins me in extending our most sincere condolences to
Colonel Hill's wife, Jounice, his children, grandchildren and the
entire Hill family.
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