HILL, Neal S. (Jim)

Arizona Silver Belt, Globe, Arizona, Tuesday, November 04, 2014 Neal S. Hill, “Jim” to his friends and family, age 94, passed away on Oct. 26, 2014, in Globe, Arizona. Jim is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 68 years, Edna; his son, Cleo, of Globe; his daughter, Donna Caldera (Pancho), of Globe; four grandchildren, Dawn Polkabla (Matthew), of Globe, Stephannie Hill, of Phoenix, Christopher Caldera, of Sahuarita, and Ben Caldera of Tucson; and five great-grandchildren, Brianna, Antwain, Trace, Nikkole and Frankie. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister and two brothers. Jim was born on Oct. 19, 1920 in Allen, Nebraska, to Herbert and Josephine. He graduated from Allen Consolidated School in 1939. On Jan. 4, 1943, Jim joined the United States Army. He served in New Guinea, The Philippines, and Japan, as a Staff Sergeant, where he was in charge of 52 men in a gas supply company, organized the delivery system used and supervised all operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater. He was Honorably Discharged on Jan. 6, 1949. He met Edna in April, 1949 and they were married 6 months later. In 1964, Jim and his family moved to Globe, where he worked as a maintenance mechanic at Inspiration Consolidated Copper Company until he retired in 1988. Jim was a great family man and a loving father. He was a very social man who made friends wherever he went. He enjoyed playing games with friends and family, caring for his grandchildren, and even allowed his grand-daughters to play “beauty shop” by curling his hair when they were younger. His family and friends will always remember him as a loving, caring and funny man. A memorial service is scheduled for Jim on Friday, Nov. 7, 2014 at 11 a.m. at Trinity Baptist Church with a reception to follow. Pastor Hugh Mineffee will officiate. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jim’s life. The family would like to thank Dr. Layton, Dr. Assar, and Copper Communities Hospice, for the care and support they all have shown. Flowers and donations can be sent to Trinity Baptist Church, 1362 Hagen Road, Globe, Ariz.