Former Legislative Leader Jim Hill Dies At 74

After a lengthy illness, former State Senate President Jim Hill died Wednesday at the age of 74.

Hill, who served as a Democrat in the Arkansas House of Representatives from 1993-1996 and in the Arkansas State Senate from 1997-2007, was a cattle farmer in Nashville, Arkansas.

He was also a seven-year veteran in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he rose to the rank of sergeant. In his profession, Hill was a charter member and former chairman of the Arkansas Beef Council and a former president of the Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association. He also served on the Arkansas State Fair board of directors.

Hill was the President Pro Tempore of the Arkansas State Senate during the 84th General Assembly from . In the Senate, he served on the powerful Joint Budget Committee, and he was the chief House sponsor of Amendment 75, which voters approved to enact the 1/8 cent conservation tax that helps fund the Game and Fish Commission and the Parks and Tourism Department while in the House of Representatives.

“Jim Hill was a dear and trusted friend whose life was dedicated to service, be it as a United States Marine or as a member of the Arkansas General Assembly. Working alongside Jim for many years, I got to enjoy the dry wit that peppered his conversations and debates. It was a disarming trait that left smiles on the faces of friends and adversaries alike,” said Gov. Mike Beebe.

“Senator Jim Hill was a close friend who I had the pleasure to serve alongside with in the Arkansas General Assembly and the honor to work with for many years. He was a patriot and public servant who put others before himself in every aspect of his life. He truly defined what public service should be about,” said Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mike Ross, a former State Senator from south Arkansas.

“Jim had one of the kindest hearts and warmest personalities I knew, and he no doubt had a positive impact on many lives, including my own. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Charlotte; his children; and the rest of his family and many friends. Arkansas is a better, stronger place to call home because of Jim Hill, and his absence will be deeply felt across the state,” Ross added.

“Jim was a dedicated public servant and a wonderful asset to the state of Arkansas, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him,” said Democratic Party of Arkansas chairman Vincent Insalaco. “Today, the thoughts and prayers of all of us at the DPA go out to Jim’s wife Charlotte and his entire family. Those of you who know me know that I believe there is no nobler ambition in life than serving the public and working for the betterment of one’s community and home. Jim dedicated his life to the service of his country and state, and Arkansas is better off for it.”

State Sen. Larry Teague (D-Nashville) said a funeral service is being planned for Saturday, December 14, at the First Baptist Church in Nashville. Other details are still pending.