James Hilliard age 87 passed away Monday, June 9, 2014.  Jim's life began June 4 , 1927 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, one of four children to Edith Vinton and Tedrow Hilliard.

Jim grew up in Dowagiac but lived most of his life in Coloma.  On July 2, 1950 he married Helen Lowe and they were together for 60 years until her death on July 8, 2010.  He worked for Clark Equipment for 27 years retiring in 1984.  Jim enjoyed working in the yard and around the house and spending time with his family which includes: three sons, James A. (Denice) Hilliard of Coloma, Randy Lee (Debra Holt) Hilliard of Millburg and Bruce G. (Marcia) Hilliard of Coloma; four grandchildren Graham, Claire, Zachary, and Nicholas; and two step grandchildren Shawn Stewart and Regina Branham.

His parents and three siblings John Hilliard, Dick Hilliard, and Janet Veach preceded Jim in death.

Cremation has taken place.  A graveside service will be held at Crystal Springs Cemetery in Benton Harbor on Monday, June 16, 2014 at 1:00 PM.  Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet is assisting Jim's family with arrangements.  You may leave a memory of Jim at hutchinsfuneral.com.