James F. Hillencamp

JAMES F. HILLENCAMP(February 13, 1929 December 21, 2016)"Say not in grief: He is no more,But live in thankfulness that he was."-Hebrew ProverbJim Hillencamp loved life and the people whose paths he crossed. With his wit, he brought laughter and a sense of friendship to all around him. He embraced everyone regardless of position in life- with his charm, intuition and guidance.Although he was born in Wood River, Illinois, Jim grew up in the lumber town of West Memphis, Arkansas. He conquered the enormous obstacles of growing up in a rural town of limited opportunities and with the loss of his father at the age of 2.Sports became one of Jims many loves in life. He excelled in multiple sports throughout high school resulting in college scholarship offers that he ultimately declined in order to help support his mother who was blind.Foregoing college, however, didnt stop Jim. Because of a keen business acumen and resolute sense of integrity, he worked his way up the career ladder starting as a warehouse manager and advancing to the position of Regional Vice President at Motion Industries, Inc. the largest industrial supply company in the U.S. He expanded the company by creating branches in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas.In addition to his business acumen, Jim loved sports. He was instrumental in organizing the first stock car races later known as NASCAR in Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi.On September 9, 1951, Jim married the love of his life- Mary Catherine Butterworth a Tennessee debutante. Together they raised 5 children. Jims love for sports was passed along to his children who all swam competitively 3 of which were scholarship holders at Florida State, University of Florida and University of Miami. During his childrens swimming careers, Jim was elected Vice President of the south eastern AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) and Finance Chairman of Floridas USA Swimming.In addition to his love of family and his love of sports Jim had a love for his church. He was a fervent member of Christ the King Catholic Church and their chapter of the Knights of Columbus, attaining 4th degree status in the Knights. Up until the time of his passing, Jim helped to direct and train the next generation of Knights the Squires.Jim Hillencamp was a "Peoples Person". He is known for his intuition, good advice and wit. But, most of all, Jim is known for his integrity.To all of those whose lives he has touched, the Hillencamp family invites you to join them in remembering and celebrating Jims illustrious life as follows:On Monday, December 26, 2016 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. for visitation at George H. Hewell and Son Funeral Home, 4140 University Blvd; Jacksonville, Fl.On Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial at Christ the King Catholic Church, 742 Arlington Rd., Jacksonville, FL and at 12 noon for the Interment service in Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL.Jim is survived by his daughters Tracy, Kelly and Cathy (spouse Alan Zwass, son Jacob, daughters Rebecca and Catie) and by his sons John (spouse Sandy, sons Johnny and Jimmy) and Jim (spouse Ibis, daughter Tania).Receiving FriendsMonday, December 26, 201606:00 PM - 08:00 PM George H. Hewell and Son Funeral Home4140 University Blvd., So.Jacksonville, FL 32216IntermentTuesday, December 27, 2016 Oaklawn Cemetery4801 San Jose Blvd.Jacksonville, FL 32207Funeral MassTuesday, December 27, 201610:00 AM Christ the King Catholic Church742 Arlington ExpresswayJacksonville,4140 University Blvd S Jacksonville, FL 32216 f: 904-739-81594747 Main St N Jacksonville, FL 32206 f: 904-353-0763