Obituaries

James Winston Hill, age 82, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, died on March 22, 2026, at the Ball Hospice in Sault Ste. Marie. He was born on August 10, 1943, in Sault Ste. Marie, to James and Luella (Tiffin) Hill.

James was a lifelong resident of Sault Ste. Marie and a proud graduate of Sault Area High School, with the class of 1961. Shortly after graduation, he began a distinguished twenty-seven-year career with the United States Coast Guard, retiring in 1989 with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4.
Following his military service, James continued his commitment to his country through sixteen years of dedicated work with the United States Army Corps of Engineers, bringing his total years of service to his country, forty-three years.
James was a devoted member of the American Legion Post 3 in Sault Ste. Marie, where he valued camaraderie and community.
In his free time, he enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially fishing and boating, and was an avid hockey enthusiast. He will be remembered for his steadfast dedication, love of country, and appreciation for the simple pleasures of life.
James is survived by his wife, Juanita “Punky” of 60 years; daughter; Kimberly (Rex) Nelson of Ham Lake, Minnesota; son, Matthew (Kimberly) Hill of Petoskey, Michigan; grandchildren, Sean Hill, Keegan Hill, Kaden Hill, and Drew Nelson; sisters-in-law, Janet DeMerse of Detour, Michigan, Jane Boyer of Sault Ste. Marie, and Nancy (Clyde) Ellison of Centennial, Colorado.

James was preceded in death by his parents, James and Luella; parents-in-law, Bernard and Marie DeMerse; and brothers-in-law, Dan DeMerse and Marvin Boyer; grandson, Brandon Nelson.

A special thank you and appreciation for the care and support given to Jim by Rachel.

There will be no services, with a private burial later.

James’ final resting place will be at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Raco, Michigan.

Memorial Contributions may be made in James’s honor to the Ball Hospice House, 308 W. 12th Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan 49783.

Family Life Funeral Homes – Sault Ste. Marie assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.