Jackie E "Jack" Hills

Jackie (Jack) Ervin Hills, 88, of Plattsburgh, passed away on 6 June 2023 at UVHN: CVPH. He was born in Terre Haute, Indiana on 14 January 1935, the eldest son of Lincoln and Maude (Fletcher) Hills.

Jack grew up in Terre Haute, Indiana and attended Garfield High School. He then attended Rose Polytechnic Institute, where he was co-captain of the track team and member of the ATO fraternity. He transferred to and graduated from Indiana State University with degrees in Engineering and Education. His military service began with the Army, however, he retired as an officer with the United States Air Force. During this time, he served as Deputy Commander on an Atlas F missile crew, did satellite development work, and was on extended detail to NASA, which included mission planning for Apollo 13. He retired in 1982 as a Captain at Plattsburgh Air Force Base in New York.

After retirement, Jack worked for eight years at CVPH as a Biomedical Engineer. For the next three years, he was an instructor at Job Corps VT, teaching at-risk youth from New York City in the subjects of Math, Science, and English. He finished his work career as a computer sales rep in the SUNY Plattsburgh bookstore.

Later in life, Jack had an opportunity to spend an abundance of time with his grandson Danilo. Further, he was involved in several activities at the churches of Our Lady of Victory and St. Peter’s in Plattsburgh. He was a Eucharistic minister, a member of the Bible study and various book groups, participated in the Music Ministry, and became a fourth-degree member in the Knights of Columbus. He also conducted extensive genealogical research of his family tree, and continued to follow the space program which was a passionate interest. He enjoyed bird watching and participating in the annual Audubon Backyard Bird Count, volunteering with the Adirondack Park trail stewardship, and gardening at the home he shared with his family.

Jack is survived by his wife of 63 years, Karen (Kirchoff) Hills, two daughters Michelle Hills and Jacqueline Hills, and one son James (Tina) Hills, two grandsons, Danilo Nocher and Curtis Hills, two brothers, David (Barbara) Hills and Paul “Steve” Hills, and many nieces and nephews, as well as his beloved cat, Ziva.
Jack was predeceased by his parents, Lincoln and Maude (Fletcher) Hills.

Simply put, Jack was a great man. His love of God, country, family, and community were a reflection of his mental toughness. It is with heavy hearts that we must say “goodbye,” until we meet again.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, 11 June 2023, from 2:00-4:00 PM at the Brown Funeral Home, Plattsburgh. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday, 12 June 2023, at 2:00 PM at Our Lady of Victory Church in Plattsburgh. Burial will be in Saratoga National Cemetery.

Memorial donations can be made to either The Fresh Air Fund (FreshAir.org) or Focus on Ferals (focusonferalstoday.com).

Arrangements are entrusted to the Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad Street in Plattsburgh, (518) 561-3980. Online condolences may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com.