James L. Hillian of Winston Salem, N.C. who was also known as Jimmy Lee to family members, and as "Sarge" to former colleagues of his military services passed on Saturday, January 15, 2022, at Forsyth Medical Center, Winston Salem, N.C., surrounded by family. James was born to the late Rev. James R. Hillian and Eva (Little) Hillian on September 8 th, 1930.

Jimmy attended the public schools in Winston Salem and Ultimately Graduated from Atkins High School. The things he liked of the side were raising his chickens in the back of the home where he grew up fishing and listening to music. Last, and not to be left out or ever forgotten was a passion for boxing.

Mr. Hillian pursued a career in the Military after graduating High School. He enlisted into the Army in 1948. The colorful career that Mr. Hillian had in the Army took him all over the world to experience and see other cultures and countries. Mr. Hillian's love for boxing also had a calling in the Army, where he boxed and represented the Army as a middleweight and welterweight. One notable accomplishment was when Mr. Hillian captured the Army's European Command Northern Regional Welterweight Championship in Heidelberg Military Post Germany. As a result of his services in the Army, Mr. Hillian was also a Veteran of the Korean War. Mr. Hillian's career in the Military extended over 32 years as he retired in 1990.

Upon retirement from the military, Mr. Hillian moved to Winston Salem, NC where he continued his service by driving school buses in Winston Salem School system. He particularly enjoyed the responsibility of this duty where he chaffered the ROTC program to multiple events and competitions. He ultimately retired from this career and lived a quiet peaceful life visiting family and enjoying life.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife - Vera Covater Hillian, daughter – Karyn E. Hillian, brother - Calvin Hillian, sister - Eva Hillian, brother – (Sonny) Clifton E. Hillian, sister – Carolyn (James) Crutchfield, stepson – Michael Dale Penn.

The memories left behind by James L. Hillian will forever be cherished in remembrance of his life by his survivors: Partner – Willie Hillian, Daughter – Elaine Hillian, Son – Roderick Christopher James Hillian (Michelle), Daughter – Michelle Hillian, Son – Michael (Nicole) Rockhead, Stepson – Kenneth R. Penn, Sister – Viola Werts, Sister – Evangelist Annie Campbell, Brother – Donald Johnson, Granddaughter – La'isha Lynk, Grandson – Kendrick J. Hillian, Grandson – Sean Rockhead, Granddaughter – Ta'nisha K. Hillian, Granddaughter – Shei'la Diggs, Grandson – Bruce Diggs, Great Grandson Trenton Fuqua,

Grandaughter – Sydney Rockhead, Grandaughter – Skylar Rockhead, Great - Granddaughter – Ja'cyla Lynk, Great - Granddaughter – Ja'mya Lynk. James will also be missed and remembered by a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of relatives locally and abroad whom he loved dearly.

We want to give special thanks to Cousin Mary McEachern for her undying effort of looking after James (Jimmy) the last year or so. We also would like to give thanks to Renee Pugh in time of need. Thanks, and we love you all!!!!!!

Graveside service for Mr. Hillian will be Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Salisbury National Cemetery, 501 Statesville Boulevard, Salisbury, NC