James "Jimmy" B. Hillman, Sr.

James “Jimmy” Burton Hillman, Sr., 79, of Long Beach, Mississippi, passed away on August 10, 2025. Born on May 27, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois, Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Burley and June Hillman; his brother, Bryan Hillman; and his sisters, June Glass and Helen Hillman.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years and faithful caregiver, Shirley Ann Hillman, his children, Burton (Karen) Hillman and Jennifer Hillman, both of Long Beach, and his granddaughters, Emory (Ryan) Och of Phoenix, Arizona, and Lainey Hillman of Boynton Beach, Florida. He also leaves behind his siblings, Gale (Dan) Carney of Long Beach and Robert (Roberta) Hillman of Wiggins.

A lifelong member of St. Thomas Catholic Church, Jimmy attended St. Thomas the Apostle School and graduated from Long Beach High School in 1964.

Jimmy proudly served his country, joining the United States Marine Corps in 1964. He completed boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina, and was later stationed at Camp Lejeune in Courthouse Bay, North Carolina. He served eight years in the USMC Reserves as part of the Amphibian Tractor Battalion. In his later years, he often greeted friends with “Semper Fi”—the Marine Corps motto meaning “always faithful”—a phrase that reflected both his pride in service and his steadfast character.

In 1965, Jimmy began his career with Southern Bell Telephone & Telegraph Company as a systems engineer. Over the course of 40 years, he worked through the many evolutions of Bell South and AT&T, ultimately retiring from Avaya.

Jimmy was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed countless days on the water with friends and many weekends hunting in Greene County with family. Later, as a member of a hunting club in Benton, Mississippi, he shared fireside stories and laughter with friends. Many tall tales have been shared about his adventures hunting and fishing. He was a great friend to those he cared for, always showing up for a visit and lending support.

Jimmy put God first in his life, but his wife Shirley was a close second. He was a devoted husband to Shirley. Together for more than 60 years, he worked hard for her, protected her, and surrounded her with love and attention.

Jimmy was also a dedicated father. He instilled independence in Burton and Jennifer, and he loved them through clear actions as he always showed up in times of need and taught them invaluable life skills.

He truly thrived as a grandfather. He was slightly “rough around the edges” until those little girls showed up. He loved them openly, never missed a sports game, and was the best “Pops” they could ask for.

In 2019, Jimmy sustained a traumatic brain injury due to a fall, leaving him bedridden for the majority of the past 7 years. We find peace in knowing that he is now free to walk alongside his Maker.

The Hillman family extends heartfelt thanks to the dedicated caregivers who supported Jimmy, alongside Shirley, in the years following his injury, including Southern Living Assistance Services, Sheronda Martin, and Amy Duncan. Amy provided love, laughter, and compassionate care that brought joy to his final years. We would also like to thank Jack and Lorraine Miller for providing weekly communion and religious comfort. A special thanks to his nurse, Britney Cuevas with Amedisys Home Health Care.

Visitation will be on Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 10:30 - 11:30 am at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 720 E Beach Blvd, Long Beach. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 am in the church. Interment will be in Long Beach City Cemetery.

We love you, Pops.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jimmy’s memory to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at t2t.org.

The Riemann Family Funeral Home, Long Beach, is serving the family.