Obituary

James Leland Hill of Laguna Niguel, California passed away September 16, 2025, at the age of 90.

Jim was born on February 4, 1935, and was raised in Dinuba, California by his mother and father, Louise Crawford and John Franklin Hill.

Jim discovered his love of sports as a child and played football at Dinuba High School. After high school he served in the US Navy. Jim received an Associate’s degree from Fullerton College and then continued his education at the University of Southern California, where he graduated with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

Jim lived most of his years in Fullerton, California where he enjoyed a fulfilling career as a pharmacist for over 45 years. Patients loved him. When they came in feeling ill, he was known to offer them a family recipe for chicken soup from his shirt pocket in addition to their prescription.

Among friends and family, Jim is perhaps best known for his love of and unwavering support for Trojan Football. His tailgates were legendary, and he welcomed one and all with open arms, a firm handshake and a homemade sandwich.

His loving spirit is carried on by his wife of 60 years, Gloria, and their children, Christine Bartlett (Robert C. Bartlett, Jr.), James N. Hill (Adrienne Padilla), Melina Aluzas (Jonathan Aluzas) and Michael Hill (Ashley Burseth Hill), along with a granddaughter, Suzanne Bartlett. He also leaves behind two nieces, Julie Hill Childs and Kelly Hill Baer. Jim was preceded in death by his mother and father, two brothers, Gary F. Hill and Robert Hill, and nephew, John Hill.

To honor Jim’s memory, a service will be held at St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church, San Juan Capistrano, California on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 10:00am.