John W Hill Port Huron John W Hill, 69, died Tuesday, June 12, 2012. He had quietly endured (and ignored) cancer, refusing to let it invade his life as he continued enjoying everything he wanted and loved to do: ski trips with family, half marathons and triathlons , a 28 mile mountain bike epic in the Upper Peninsula with his sons, biking, kayaking, boating, golfing, piano, U. of M football, Red Wings and grandchildrens' hockey, Tiger baseball, and, of course, whistling. Born in Grosse Pointe to the late Dorothy and William Hill, he attended Grosse Pointe schools and graduated with a Bachelor and Masters of Arts degree from Eastern Michigan University. He landed his first job in radio in 1964 in Gaylord and spent the last 37 years of his radio career at WPHM radio in Port Huron. He added teaching at St Clair Community College to his radio career in 1984, instructing and advising many students over the years. He often commented on how fortunate he was not only to have a single job he loved but two jobs. He has been vitally active in the Port Huron community, serving on many boards and committees, including the St Clair County Community Foundation and SC4 Alumni Association. John is survived by his wife, Grace, children Mike and Laurie Reckker and their children Lauren and Brian, Marquette, MI, Lisa Powell and her children Clayton, Dylan Elizabeth, and Colton, Iron River, MI, Marty and Judy Reckker and their children John, Madison and Nate of Troy, MI, Elizabeth and Doug Berg and their children Hannah and Jacob of Mill Valley, CA, Tim and Christine Hill and their children Matthew and Haley. He will be missed by a large number of nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and friends. In addition, his sister Patricia (David) Shawe of Oxford, MI and brother Richard Hill, Arizona, sister-in-law Mary Cay and Jim Reckker of Troy, MI, Sister Marilyn Foster, Adrian, MI, brothers-in-law Richard Foster of Port Huron and Jerome Foster of Troy. The visitation will be on Thursday, June 14, 2012 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Smith Family Funeral Home-North, 1525 Hancock St. The Rite of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Friday in St. Stephen Catholic Church preceded by one hour of visitation. The Rev. Fr. Brian Cokonougher will officiate. Interment will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery at a later date. John's grandchildren will serve as his pallbearers. Contributions may be made in his memory to the SC4 Foundation, International Symphony Orchestra, or charity of the donor's choice . To send condolences, please visit smithfamilyfuneralhome.com
John Hill was one of the nicest, most fun-loving friends I had as a student at Grosse Pointe High School. He was part of the group of great friends: Ron Bartalucci, John Adams, John Elling, Jim Stelma, Steve Trentacosta, Ken Ashley, Ken Squiers, Kurt Spieske and several others who were part of our group.
One of our memories of John includes his folks' Rambler sedan that had seats that folded down into a bed. That, of course drew a lot of comments about how the girls all wanted to go out with John because of his unique car!
Although it's been many years since John has joined us at a reunion, I think of him often when I remember the great times I had as a student of The High's Class of 1960. We will all miss him!
I totally agree with George Moses's comment. John was one of us and a great guy to be around. I can remember the many basketball game in his back yard. John will definately be missed by all of his family and friends. Haven't seen John for many year, but I will never forget him.
Patricia L. Hagland (Whitledge)
John W. Hill
George J. Moses Jr.
John Hill was one of the nicest, most fun-loving friends I had as a student at Grosse Pointe High School. He was part of the group of great friends: Ron Bartalucci, John Adams, John Elling, Jim Stelma, Steve Trentacosta, Ken Ashley, Ken Squiers, Kurt Spieske and several others who were part of our group.
One of our memories of John includes his folks' Rambler sedan that had seats that folded down into a bed. That, of course drew a lot of comments about how the girls all wanted to go out with John because of his unique car!
Although it's been many years since John has joined us at a reunion, I think of him often when I remember the great times I had as a student of The High's Class of 1960. We will all miss him!
Ronald E. Bartalucci
I totally agree with George Moses's comment. John was one of us and a great guy to be around. I can remember the many basketball game in his back yard. John will definately be missed by all of his family and friends. Haven't seen John for many year, but I will never forget him.
God rest his soul.
Kenneth B. Squiers
I remeber John as a witty, easy going, caring friend. He was always ready for a "pick-up" hockey game
on Lake St. Clair or in my frozen, flooded backyard, a baseball game at Mason Ele School, or football
game in a vacant lot between two houses (I once blamed John for a broken window I did!!). I admire
John for his career and contributions in the field of radio. Way to go, John! You are forever loved,
Ken Squiers