James Robert “J.R." Hill, 72, of Fosters Point Road, West Bath lost his courageous battle to cancer and died peacefully November 9, 2015 at his home surrounded by family and friends.

He was born in Bath on July 28, 1943, a son of William S. and Leona W. (McKenney) Hill. He attended Bath schools and entered the United States Air Force in 1960. He was employed at Bath Iron Works as a welder and also at Maine Yankee in Wiscasset. In 1971, he founded and operated J.R. Hill & Son Pumping and later excavation.

On July 11, 1998, he married Lynn Moore in West Forks, where they owned a family camp and shared many wonderful memories.

He was a member of the Bath Lodge of Elks, a life member of the Smith Tobey Post 21 American Legion and a member of the Polar Star 14 Masonic Lodge in Bath.

J.R. was an avid country music fan. He loved playing guitar, singing and listening to classic country. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and periodically, taking his chances at the poker table. He loved spending time at camp and for the last few years, wintering in Florida. He especially enjoyed being surrounded by his family and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, a daughter, Shirley Anne Webster, and his sister, Terry Frohmiller.

J.R. is survived by his wife, Lynn, of West Bath; two sons, Martin J. “Marty” Hill of West Bath and James R. “Jamie” Hill Jr. of Phippsburg; two daughters, Kimberly Gerow and her husband Aaron of Woolwich and Lisa Koehling and her husband David “Skidder” of Phippsburg; three brothers, Alvin F. Hill and his wife Rosalie of Damariscotta, John D. Hill and his wife Sheila of Wiscasset, and William S. “Billy” Hill and his wife Lynn of Bath; three sisters, Marjorie Reinertson of Bath, Elaine Hopeck and her husband Tom of Bradenton, Fla. and Judy Preble and her husband Clarence “Chip” of Georgetown; 14 grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visiting hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 14 at Daigle Funeral Home, 819 High Street, Bath with an Elks service and American Legion Service at 5 p.m. A funeral service with military honors will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, November 15 at the former United Church of Christ on Congress Avenue in Bath.

Memorial contributions may be made to The American Lung Association, 122 State Street, Augusta, 04330. Condolences can be made online at www.DaigleFuneralHome.com.