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BORN
1947
DIED
2022
FUNERAL HOME
James Hillje Obituary
James “Jim” Douglas Hillje passed away August 5, 2022. He was born on September 14, 1947, in Cotulla, Texas at Myers Hospital to Fred and Tillie Hillje.
Jim was born and raised on The Hillje Ranch, 20 miles southeast of Cotulla from which he never ventured far. Little Jimmy was the youngest of six and he learned to rope, ride, brand, hunt, and garden alongside his dad and brothers. He was known by many names – Dad, Pops, Hillje, El Coyote, Jimbo, Jim, Jimmy, Jimmy Jo, Jaime Jose but mostly just Hillje.
Jim began his career in 1969 with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department from which he retired in 2001. He continued his passion for nature and wildlife by managing many ranches in La Salle County and surrounding counties.
Jim was loved by all who knew him and will be missed greatly. His smile and infectious laugh were some of his signature trademarks. His easy going demeanor made him a joy to be around. He loved spending time with family and friends, but especially loved watching his grandchildren grow and mature. He was an excellent cook who never needed to measure ingredients. He was also an incredible handyman with the ability to fix anything with some baling wire and duct tape.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Tillie Hillje, and his brothers, Jud and Freddy. He is survived by his wife, Lori “Honey” Hillje, daughter, K’Reesa “Sis” (Jimmy) Coley, of Canyon Lake, Texas: son, Jeremy (Kristi) Hillje of Weimar, Texas; grandchildren, Carlisle Coley, Hannah Hillje and Hudson Hillje; sisters, Margaret Ann Strickhausen, Mary Jo Choate, and Agnes Fulbright; sisters in law, Peggy and Kay Hillje: and numerous nieces and nephews and many, many friends.
The family will be receiving guests at 10:30 a.m. A Celebration of Life will be held August 13, 2022, at the Alexander Convention Center in Cotulla, Tx. starting at 11:00 a.m. Please dress casually. We will share stories and provide lunch. The family would like to extend a very special thanks to Dr. Clark Kardys; the ICU nurses at Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital & Natanya Cooper. The loving care that these compassionate people provided will be forever remembered.
Memories and Condolences
for James Hillje
Lisa Mayo
August 26, 2022
Peace be with you Jeremy and all the Hillje family. I know how close you are to your Dad. Sending much love and comfort to all.
sheila Barton Sanders
August 13, 2022
Lori, So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family!
Harold and Patty Cook
August 13, 2022
Our hearts are there with you all. Hillje was one of a kind and will be greatly missed. Fly High, Brother
Mikaela & Ron Rios
August 11, 2022
K'Reesa, I wish I had the chance to meet your Daddy. He sounds like such a salt of the earth Texas man who lived a great life and made the world a better place because he was in it. I see he passed on so much to you! We're so sorry for your loss. Sending our love and prayers to you and your family.
Ken & Cindy Street
August 11, 2022
Prayers and thoughts are with all of you as you celebrate "Pops" life
Billy Pat & Bonnie McKinney
August 11, 2022
Rest in Peace old friend, you were one in a million.
Lillie Mae Kolacek
August 10, 2022
My thoughts and prayers to you and your family . Your mom and my mom worked together at the school lunch room . My was the lady that made the Peanut brittle .
Lillie M. Kolacek
Bill Adams
August 10, 2022
I wandered in to Hillje's domain a little over 20 years ago when I started a little mountain lion research project after the big 1 Hillje worked on. I had never spent much time south of San Antonio growing up so was always very appreciatve of Hillje taking in this perfect stranger. He was a lighthouse in my life at the time....showed me the territory, made connections, opened every gate, bought me groceries from time to time, made me a delicious pot of beans, and just generally made sure I stayed between the ditches. He, and then with Lori, really kept watch over me...always with a smile and encouragement, and always with a big 'ol "Oye"! It's been a bit since I've seen his smile or heard his laugh, but I shall never forget them, or him. Lori, and family, may you be encouraged by family and friends during this time, and I pray for comfort and peace as you remember Jim.
Cris Kuykendall
August 10, 2022
He will be dearly Missed! I am glad I was able to share many laughs and good times with him. Lori and Family, Sending much love and comfort to y’all!
Tommy &Terrie Kuhn
August 10, 2022
So very sorry Lori,we love you and are praying for comfort
Pug
August 10, 2022
Lori. So sorry for your loss. Prayers and hugs for you and your family.
Brenda Hicks
August 10, 2022
Lori, I am so very sorry for your loss.
Tara Jensen
August 10, 2022
In loving memory of a wonderful person. I will miss his stories on Thanksgiving. To the family, we send our love and big prayers for peace at this time.
Amy Taylor
August 10, 2022
How fortunate to have made such great memories with Jim and Lori! Jim will be missed and always fondly remembered as he touched everyone he came in contact with! Love and hugs sending your way. ❣
Patsy Mclaughlin
August 9, 2022
Known Jim many years & he always had a smile & was surrounded by friends. Will be missed. Loved him as a good friend for many years. My condolences to the Hillje family.
Max Traweek
August 9, 2022
I was straight out of college when I started my career with TPWD as a biologist on the Chaparral WMA. I started July 1969 and Jim came on board that October. From day one I really enjoyed working together with Jim and our supervisor John Ellisor. Nothing could phase Jim! He was always in an upbeat mood with a laugh and a smile in answer to any situation. We worked side by side for a little over five years until I was transferred to the Texas Panhandle. We trapped and tagged javelinas, trapped and banded quail and doves and worked the first public hunts conducted on the Area. I can honestly say those were the most enjoyable years of my 38 year career! And a big part of that was having Jim around to keep things running smooth and to bring a little humor and a lot of common sense to all of our daily tasks. I am truly sorry for your loss and I hope that the healing period will be short and full of fond memories of one of the most enjoyable guys to have around.
Jacobi Orr
August 9, 2022
Rest Easy
Roni Campos
August 9, 2022
I’m so sorry for y’all’s loss. Jim was one of the sweetest men I knew from my younger years. Many sleepovers with you K’Reesa where some of our better memories. Playing with you, Angie, Shawn, Laura and I were some fun times. Your parents were always good to all us kids. You and Jeremy were truly blessed. Hugs to you both during this hard time. May Jim R.I.P. I bet all those Cotulla friends that went before him are all standing at the Pearly gate waiting his arrival. What a party it will be. Lots of love. Roni “Weatherford” Campos
Craig Novelli
August 9, 2022
I will miss you my friend , Good times, many memories , thanks , ( I hope your getting some rain in heaven !)
Linda Black
August 8, 2022
Sweet Lori, there are no words to express our sympathy for you and Hillje's family. We thank you for bringing him into our lives and sharing him with your Arkansas family. He has been such a strong presence at Thanksgiving and indeed we are thankful for the time we had with the two of you at our gatherings. Knowing we will all gather again is reassuring. Our love you you. Linda, Brandon and family
Karen Hillje
August 8, 2022
I'll miss my cousin, Jimbo. He was a fun guy. The world has an empty spot where he and his big smile lived.... Hugs to Lori, K'Reesa, Jeremy and the family.
Karen Gilbert Ley
August 8, 2022
Jim was a friend to all with that infectious smile and great attitude. My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends
David&Kim Currie
August 8, 2022
Loved his laugh❤
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