ATHENS – James A. Hilton, 70, lifetime resident of Athens, died peacefully Tuesday morning, Dec. 29, 2009, at his home. A rapidly developing form of multiple myeloma took his earthly life away. His Savior has now taken him to his heavenly home. Jim grew up on the family farm with his father and mother, Clarence N. and Abbie (Boynton) Hilton; and brother, John. He was very active in the 4-H Club in his youth. He graduated from Somerset Academy in 1957 and from University of Maine, Orono, in 1961. After college, he took over the family dairy farm. He had studied agriculture in college and worked hard to practice what he had learned. He loved farming all his life. After several years of hard work, Jim decided to sell his cattle, rather than expand to keep up with the times. In the summer of 1966, he met his wife, Nora Cyr of Hamlin, while they were both studying at the University of Maine, Orono. They were married June 15, 1969. Jim and Nora pursued teaching careers together, while they also were busy raising veal calves, sheep and other livestock, as well as harvesting a hay crop every summer. Jim taught at high schools in Bingham, 1966-1968 and in Newport, 1968-1994. After retiring from the teaching profession and doing a short tour with Maine Farm Bureau as a reporter, Jim practiced real estate as an associate broker with Prudential Northeast Properties. He was an active member in Church of the Open Bible, Athens, where he served as deacon and Sunday school teacher. He was predeceased by his parents, Clarence and Abbie Hilton. Jim will be dearly missed especially by his wife, Nora, and by all who knew him well. He leaves behind brother, John and his wife, Karen, of Waterville; his aunt, Doris Fox Gallant; and many extended family members and friends. Visiting hours will be held 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010, at Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan. Funeral services will be held 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 3, at Athens Elementary School gymnasium, Athens, with Pastor Richard Haynie officiating. Additional visiting hours to be held at the gymnasium from 2 p.m. until time of the funeral. Burial, later in the spring, will be at Mount Rest Cemetery, Athens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the building fund at Church of the Open Bible, P.O. Box 88, Athens, ME 04912.
JAMES A. HILTON
