James "Brownie" Hill (1930-2008)

Brother James "Brownie" Hill died at his home on Saturday. Services will be held at l0:30 a.m. Tuesday at Richland Baptist Church. Brownie was a founding member and former Vice President of AFSCME Local 965, and he represented our local on the Board of AFSCME Arkansas Council 38. He is survived by a son, Paul Hill, and a daughter, Joni Jongewaard, both active leaders in Local 965.

Brother Brownie retired from the University of Arkansas Physical Plant after 46 years of service, and he served with the United States Army 936th Field Artillery Headquarters Battery during the Korean War.

Sister Betty Martin, Vice President of Local 965, said, "Brownie was such a great union leader and a true friend. He was so caring, compassionate, and trustworthy; an amazing person. I can't say enough to totally describe Brownie Hill. Mark and I were so fortunate to have known him and counted him as our friend for 35 years. We will all miss him.”

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Washington Regional Hospice, 34 Colt Square Suite 1, Fayetteville, AR 72703.

The photograph above was taken at the Red Cross building after the Local 965 community service project to rehabilitate the offices in 1974. Brownie Hill is the third man in a white shirt from the right, next to Local 965 President Fount Frederick (with open jacket). Click on photograph to enlarge.