James Lee "Jim" Hill

James Lee “Jim” Hill, 78, of Channing, Texas, passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at his home, with his family by his side.

Jim was born on February 27, 1948, in Portales, New Mexico, to John and Mildred Hill. He married Kathleen Hays on December 20, 1969, in Channing. Together, they built a life rooted in family, hard work, ranching, service, and a deep respect for the land.

Jim began cowboying in 1967 on the Foy Proctor Ranch west of Channing, where he met Kathleen. After their marriage, they moved to Hereford, where Jim worked in the feedyards—work he did faithfully, though it never matched his passion for ranch life. In 1970, they moved to the Fulton Quien Sabe Ranch, where Jim worked for Dick Montgomery.

In 1972, Jim and Kathleen went to work for Julian Bivins on his ranch in Portales, New Mexico, before returning to Texas to work on the Bivins LIT Ranch south of Channing. They later moved to the LIT headquarters east of Channing, where Jim continued his ranch work. In 1982, Jim and Kathleen moved to what is now the H Ranch and began operating independently. In 1988, they purchased their first 200 acres of land and started assembling what would now become H Ranch. They were the first in both families to own land of their own.

Over the years, Jim and Kathleen worked side by side to grow H Ranch into a thriving cattle and horse operation, adding land, cattle, and horses whenever they could. Jim was known for his strong work ethic, his deep knowledge of ranching, and his appreciation for good horses. He took great pride in caring for his land, raising quality livestock, and providing for his family. He especially loved his Bayers bits, Klapper spurs, Case and Robeson knives, and his Bob Marrs saddle. Known for his quick wit and dry sense of humor, Jim always had a one‑liner ready.

Jim enjoyed team roping and hauling his daughters to rodeos. He also served Channing ISD as a school board member for many years and Hartley County as a county commissioner for two terms. He was a founding member of the High Plains Ranchers and Breeders Association, giving local ranchers a place to showcase the horses they bred and raised. Whether horseback, working cattle, raising a good horse, or helping neighbors and family, Jim lived with purpose, determination, and a steady devotion to the ranching way of life.

Jim is survived by his wife, Kathleen; daughters, Nancy Allen and husband Jason of Amarillo, Texas, and Amy Hartsell and husband Ashley of Vega, Texas; grandchildren, Hadley Stephens of Lubbock, Texas, Hannah Stephens of Amarillo, Texas, Gunner James Goodwin Hartsell of Channing, Texas, and Maci Hartsell of Vega, Texas; sister, Patsy Rahn and husband Bob of Amarillo, Texas; brother, Allan Hill and wife Sharon of Shamrock, Texas; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mildred Hill, his in-laws, Junior and Beth Hays, and his son‑in‑law, Colby Jay Goodwin.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the Channing Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to gather afterward at the H Ranch Horse Barn to honor and celebrate Jim’s life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Channing Cemetery, Box 204, Channing, TX 79018.

Jim leaves behind a legacy of hard work, quality horses, choice cattle, well‑kept land, and a family who will carry his love and lessons forward for generations.