James David "Jim" Hilliard Jr.

James D. “Jim” Hilliard Jr., 88, of Manheim, died peacefully on Friday, August 11, 2017 at the Gardens @ Lititz. Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late, James D. and Lena Martin Hilliard. Jim was the loving husband of the late Mary M. Habecker Hilliard who passed away December 2006 after 58 years of marriage. Jim graduated from Manheim High School, class of 1943. He retired from Yellow Freight in Lancaster after 20 years of service as a mechanic. Jim was an active and faithful member of Lakeview Bible Church, Manheim. In his early years, one would find Jim working at the family’s grocery store across from the train station in Manheim. Later as a young adult, Jim participated as a drummer in several Drum and Bugle Corps bands in both the Lancaster and Lebanon area. He was a member of the former Manheim Jaycees. Jim had a love of hunting, running his beloved beagles, baking, and his family. His lemon sponge pie and “Black Joe” chocolate cake with peanut butter icing were always a special treat at family events and deer season. He was a member of both the Manheim and Elstonville Sportsmen’s Associations and a founding, life-time member of the Dry Hollow Hunting Camp in Centre County. Throughout his life, Jim enjoyed roller skating and for over 40 years, he was the floor guard at the Mount Gretna Roller Rink. Jim had a deep passion and affection for his family; throughout the years he attended his children’s and grandchildren’s events and supported them with enthusiasm and love that was evident by everyone.

Surviving are: two sons: David J., husband of Robin E. Saylor Hilliard of Manheim and Darin J. husband of Tina M. Roane Hilliard of Lancaster; five grandchildren; Kayla Roberts, Leah Hession, Elizabeth Hilliard-Sloat, Darrien Hilliard, Divine Hilliard; five great-grandchildren: Dominick Roberts, Anton Roberts, Hannah Hession, Titus Hession, and Dynasty Hilliard. Preceding him in death are three brothers: Paul, Carl and Harry Hilliard and five sisters: Katherine Self, Lucille Anderson, Elise Bentzel, Helen Myers, and Blanche DeBoe.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Jim’s Life Celebration at the Buch Funeral Home, 21 Market Square, Manheim, on Saturday, August 19, 2017 at 11:00 AM. Friends may visit with the family at the funeral home on Saturday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Interment will be private at Conestoga Memorial Park, Lancaster. In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent in Jim’s memory to: Grane Hospice Care of York, 3501 Concord Road, Suite 110, York, PA 17402.