James Aaron Hill was born April 16, 1949 and passed away May 8, 2024. He was born in Winchester and resided in Normandy.

Jim graduated from Franklin County High School and enlisted in the US Army, serving in the Vietnam War from 1968-1971 where he installed and maintained microwave communications systems, earning the rank of Specialist 5^th Class. His commendations included the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Bronze Star, and Army Commendation Medal.

During his tour in Vietnam, he met and married Them. Their first child, April, was born in 1972 in Vietnam. The family moved to Tennessee in October 1972, and had their second child, Thao, in 1975.

Jim worked as an electrician for American Can Company (now Albea) in Shelbyville, Tennessee from 1978 until his retirement in January 2024. He loved building and fixing things, and that translated into an intense passion for his work in the tube factory that he spent 45 years serving. James was passionate about learning languages, becoming fluent in Vietnamese and Spanish – so he was always excited to travel and connect with people around the world. 

Jim was always willing to help others.  He served as president of Bedford Builds Habitat for Humanity and volunteered on mission trips to Honduras and Guatemala with the International Medical Assistance Corporation. Jim also served as Alderman for the Town of Normandy.

He is survived by April Ann Redferrin (daughter), Mark Redferrin (son-in-law), Olivia Abigail Redferrin (granddaughter), Thao Jones-Hill (son), Jack Jones-Hill (son-in-law), Them Hill Bui (former spouse and closest friend), Ora Mae Oullette (sister), Kenneth Hill (brother), and Damon Hill (brother)

A Memorial Service will be held for all family, friends, colleagues, and friends of his family Sunday, May 12 from 1-4 p.m. at Riverbend Ranch, 239 Cortner Mill Road, Normandy, TN 37360

Jim will be buried with Military Honors during a private ceremony Friday, May 17 at the Nashville National Veteran Cemetery.

“Dad, I’m sure you’ve figured the whole universe thing out by now, so please stay close to us and protect us as you’re able, but most importantly, please go explore the galaxies so that when we join up with you again, you can tell us all about it!”

Sumner Funeral & Cremation Lakeside, Hendersonville, is in charge of arrangements.

Tullahoma News – May 15, 2024