James Francis Hill Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

James Francis Hill Fort Laramie, Wyoming – James Francis Hill, 68, died Sunday June 29, 2014 at his home with his loving family surrounding him. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 3, at the Fort Laramie Presbyterian Church with Reverend David Anderson officiating. Burial will follow in the Fort Laramie Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Prairie Haven Hospice. Visitation will be Wednesday from 3 to 6 at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of the Colyer Funeral Home and friends may send their condolences to the family at www.colyerfuneralhome.com . James was born November 19, 1945, in Fort Laramie, Wyoming the son of Francis G. and Mary Alice (Snell) Hill. He grew up and attended school in Fort Laramie. When he was 17 years old he joined the Navy. After serving two years in the Navy, he returned to Fort Laramie. James worked for CF&I Steel from 1965-1980, when the mine closed. He then worked for a few years at the Sugar Factory. Later, he worked at the college with the welding program and then the rock quarry and was co-owner of the Fort Laramie Saloon then finally got on with the rail road in 1988. He continued work there until 2005, when he was disabled. In 1966, James met Gale Lewis at her Grandmother’s place in Sunrise. The two were married January 31, 1966. James enjoyed working on cars and tractors. He was especially good at rebuilding a car from the ground up. He also liked welding, carpentry and fixing things. He was also known to play the banjo and the guitar. James is survived by his wife Gale Hill of Fort Laramie; son Vincent J. Hill (Sandra) of Fort Laramie; daughter Stacie L. Orr (John) of Guernsey; son Justin J. Hill (Deanna) of Torrington; sisters Sally Elmore of Fort Laramie and Sue Smith (Marty) of Cheyenne; seven grandchildren, Vincent Hill, Jr., Tia Orr, Michael Hill, Jessica Orr, Jennifer Orr, Sydney Hill, and Samantha Hill; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents and his grandson Cody James Orr.

James Francis Hill

November 19, 1945 - June 29, 2014