"Jim knew my dad, Gabby Goudschaal as a former baseball player and when he used to umpire fast pitch softball games I was playing in, he?d call me ?Little Gab?.....I was proud to call him friend and you knew if Jim Hiland was behind the plate, you were going to get well-umpired game. "
In loving memory of
Jimmie L. Hiland
May 21, 1934 - November 27, 2020
Jimmie Lee Hiland, 86, of Quincy, IL went to be with his Lord on November 27th, 2020 at Blessing Hospital. He was born in his family home in Augusta, IL on May 21, 1934, the fourth of sixth children to the late Eddie and Dorothy (Lambert) Hiland. He married Janice Boone on December 15, 1962, they would have celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary next month, she survives.
Jim graduated from Augusta High School in 1952. He was a standout high school athlete, lettering in all sports. He attended Western Illinois University, after his freshman year, he signed with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1954. A hard-hitting right-handed pitcher, he had a fast ball with speeds of 80-85mph. He stayed with the Cardinals from 1954-1959. While with the Cardinals, he played against many major league teams and was the last major league team to play baseball in Cuba at that time. His best chance at the majors was the year he was called into service to his country, he served the US Army from 1957-1963. While in the Army he played baseball and was named "Army All-Star Baseball Player, Fort Campbell".
After the Army, Jim and Janice lived in St. Louis, MO prior to making their home in Quincy, IL. In Quincy, Jim worked for Moorman's Manufacturing for 31 years. During this time Jim was a familiar face around many schools, as an umpire and referee for baseball/softball (23 years), basketball (13 years) and volleyball (10 years). He officiated for the IHSA State Baseball tournaments in 1980/81/84. From 1973-1983 Jim could be found at Maranatha Park where he headed up the Quincy Little League Baseball teams.
Jim had a charismatic personality and never met a stranger. If he did not know you, he would ask enough questions to find something you had in common, he was a talker. He enjoyed following his children and grandchildren in their sports and all kinds of activities. He was an active member of Melrose Chapel United Methodist Church for over 50 years. He served on many committees, was a Sunday school teacher, taught many children's sermons, and was President of the United Methodist Men, for many years. He was also active in Kiwanis, a mentor at QPS, loved golfing, fishing and treasure hunting at auctions and antique stores, until his health declined. Jim would drive for miles to find mushrooms, fishing, golfing or treasures, he would lure his kids to go along with the promise of an ice cream cone.
Surviving in addition to his wife are, three children: Tara Hanson, Quincy; Tonya Hiland (Tracy Francis) Dayton, OH and Nicholas (Danielle) Hiland, Quincy. Three grandchildren Olivia Hanson, Ray Hiland, Theo Hiland and a fourth on the way in December, all of Quincy. One sister Barbara Hiland, Augusta; two brothers, Larry (Babe) Hiland, Augusta; Michael Hiland, Golden, sister-in-law Betty (Mike) Stopp, Bogart, GA and many nieces and nephews that he cherished.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister and brother-in-law Helen and Donald Witt, a brother Eddie Hiland Jr., sister-in-law Mary Lou Hiland, Father and Mother-in-law, Robert and Idella Boone, brother-in-law Ray Boone and nephews.
A private family service will be held with Rev. Nancy Wilson officiating and military honors by American Legion Post #37 and the United States Army honors detail. To attend Jimmie's service remotely, please join us on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at 11:00 am using the following link: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/18588308
A recording of Jimmie's service will be available online for 90 days if you are unable to attend remotely on Wednesday.
Memorials: Community Foundation (for a scholarship fund to be set up in Jimmie's name) or Melrose Chapel. Memorial Donations may be made online at https://memorials.hansenspear.com/
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.
Tributes
"The Hiland Family is in our thoughts and prayers. - Todd Fox & the Southeastern School District. "
"I had the pleasure of meeting Jimmie through his amazing daughter, Tonya. I call her sister. I met Tonya then her family. Her daddy stole my heart. And now I say goodbye to again a wonderful man, role model, husband dad, grandpa, friend. You will be so missed Jimmie. Love you. Kyle. PS you probably have seen my daddy by now, but in case you see my big brother, please tell him hello from Kyle. He loved Tonya like a sister too. Hugs my friend."
"I got to spend Thursday mornings in Bible Study with Jimmie for over 20 years. Those are memories I will never forget and I can say our group truly loved him and we will miss him so. He especially loved the Book of James. "
"What a guy. Never met a stranger..always friendly and welcoming at church or anywhere you met him. All I can say is that he was quite a man and lived a wonderful life. To his family..you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time..judy argabright"
"Tara and Family - I am sorry for your loss - I wish you peace"
"So many good memories with the Hiland family. I can still hear Mr. Hiland?s laugh. He was a wonderful man and I?m lucky to have known him. Love, Wendy"
"It?s with great honor I got to call Jimmie Lee Hiland my uncle! A perfect example of a life well lived !! Fly among the angels Uncle and enjoy reuniting with those who have gone before you. Until we meet again:) ....Lynne Gulotta"
"Janice & family, I was truly saddened to hear of Jim's passing. As you know, when I was the baseball coach at QND, Jim umpired 100's of our games. Our players and coaches came to know him not as an umpire, but as our friend. He was always fair, never lost his temper, and truly took a personal interest in the players. I was so happy to ask him to umpire for us when we played at Busch Stadium. I know those games were so memorable for us as a team, but also for Jim as a professional. I am so happy that he accepted and was part of our contingent. I will pray that HE gives you the strength you need in the difficult moments ahead, but also that HE will fill your hearts and minds with only the great memories you shared with your husband and father. God Bless. Lonny Lemon"
"We are saddened to hear of Jimmie passing and will pray for all. It was a blessing to know him and to be known by him.. Dave and Judy Jones. "
"Tara and Family - I am sorry for your loss - I wish you peace"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. We had many great years together referring basketball!! He was a great guy and friend!! So very sorry for your loss! Hugs and prayers to you all!! Jim Lierly and family"
"Janice Hiland & Family My Thoughts and Prayers are with you Janice & your Family! Jim was a wonderful Guy always had a Smile on his Face & lots of Jokes to tell! Got to no Jim back in the 80's, when I played alot of Solfball & Co-Ed Solfball in Quincy & Jim was the Umpire! He always had something to tell Me Before & After the Games! Jim will sure be Missed! GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU! ? R.I.P. JIMMIE L. HILAND ? Benita Barry Boone"
"I meet Jim when he stopped by Blessing hospital where his brother Mike worked. "
"What a great guy! I watched Jim officiate at jr. high basketball games years ago at Liberty. He always took the time to explain to the young players what they had done wrong (after a foul) & help them learn. This was just one of many ways he was special!"
"So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Remembering the "Good Ole Days" of the Quincy Jets and of him umpiring games for my kids. He was a very fair umpire. Tonya and Missy played together on the Quincy Jets. Those were fun games! The families that followed them always had a good time! May Jim rest in peace now. Prayers for all."
"Janice and Children, So very sorry for your loss. Jimmie was one of a kind. Everyone loved him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all."
"Janice and Family Thinking of you in this time of loss. So great to have known Jimmie and had great relationship with him since the early 70's. He was such a super person and privilege to have known him and had as friend. Many great memories!!!!"
" I really miss Jimmie. Whether visiting him in a church service, a fellowship meal, a golf fund raiser, or while receiving good natured ribbing of all kinds.... I miss this character of a man. May all his family and friends find ways to celebrate his life. God Bless All. "
"Jim was always willing to give anything possible from his heart and soul to help one in need... I just love Jim.. and Family... Jim welcomed us at Melrose and always took time to tease and question my kids... I treasured so much about Jim... he reminded me of my father .. looks and all.. tears for all of us who will miss JIM .. but he is only taking a short nap awaiting his post in a much higher kingdom than this faulty earth he so tried to add too... love and miss you all and am so sad to hear the news! "
"Janice and family - my family extends its heart felt condolences on the death of Jimmie. He was an amazing man and I always enjoyed visiting with him either at church or in scouting. I know God will grant you the strength to endure the days and months ahead, may your memories sustain you and provide you comfort. Teresa, Nicholas and Stephan Iwanyckyj"
"We are so sorry to hear of Jimmie's passing. He was truly one of a kind. We did not know about his athletic accomplishments, but sure enjoyed how personable he was. Your entire family has been a blessing to us. May God bring you comfort."
"Condolences to the family. I am sure Mr. Hiland was a proud father and grandfather judging by the beautiful people he brought into this world. God bless all."
"So very sorry to hear this. Sunday School won't be the same without Jimmie's take on our discussions of scripture. Praying for the entire family for peace and great memories."
"It was my honor to meet and laugh with Jim. I am so sorry for your profound loss!"
"I will miss you so very much . You were a great father in law to me. Play all the baseball you want now Jimmy because you have hit the biggest home run of your life. Love Tracy"
"Janice and family, so very sorry to hear of Jim?s passing. Never saw him without a smile on his face. Prayers to all ? Alvin and Connie Boone"