[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 5 (Friday, January 18, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E37]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE LIFE AND DEDICATED SERVICE OF COLONEL JAMES L. HILL, SR.

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                            HON. JEFF 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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