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LEAVITTSBURG - James Russell Hillman, 54, of Leavittsburg, passed away at home to be with the Lord, with his family by his side, at 11:15 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009, from a courageous, four-year battle with cancer.

He was born Oct. 17, 1955, in Warren, the son of Evelyn Witherstine Hillman and the late Russell Hillman.

Jim was a 1974 graduate of LaBrae High School and was employed at Quality Switch as an assembler. He formerly worked for Archway Cookies and Snyder's.

James attended the First Community Church of Leavittsburg and enjoyed camping, fishing, golfing, family vacations in Canada, coaching baseball and basketball, spending time and telling stories with his close friends, yearly trips to Vegas with the guys and just being with his family. He also was an avid Buckeye fan. He was president of the LAC for many years.

Other than his mother of Leavittsburg, survivors include his wife, the former Jonie Shamrock, whom he married Nov. 13, 1976; two sons, Brandon (fiancee Karin) Hillman of Chardon and Jonathan Hillman at home; two brothers, Rich (Joni) Hillman of Genoa and David (Julie) Hillman of Austintown; and his best bud, his dog, Copper.

Other than his father, who preceded him Nov. 19, 1975, he was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Ted Hillman and Pearl Hillman Hyde; and his maternal grandparents, Howard and Ordella Witherstine and Howard and Twila Miller.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Saturday at the First Community Church of Leavittsburg, 4640 W. Market St., Leavittsburg, where family and friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday. Everyone may also visit one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Pastor John Jaros will officiate the services.

Interment will be at Pine Knoll Cemetery.

The family sends a special thank you to the nurses at University Hospital Tower 6 and Hospice nurses, Cheryl, Tom and Kathy.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Community Church of Leavittsburg Building Fund at P.O. Box 361, Leavittsburg, Ohio 44430.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Carl W. Hall Funeral Home.

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