James W. Hill

“Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so”, on May 13, 2013 at 11:40 a.m., He sent His heavenly angels for JAMES WILLIAM HILL (aka Lardy or Lardy James). James was born on December 8, 1937 to the late Ruth Hill and James Baker. It is said, it takes a village to raise a child and the village raised James, who was the first out of fourteen children. James was born and raised in South Baltimore at 846 S. Sharp Street, the home where everyone was welcome to have a meal. Lardy James received his formal education through the Baltimore City Public School System; he attended Carver Vocational High School until integration occurred, then he attended Southern High School. James was a champion Wrestler, La Crosse player and Unsung hero football player. He was a champion in all the sports he played. James’ early religious upbringing was formed at John Wesley UMC on Sharp and Montgomery Streets. Later in life, he attended John Wesley UMC on North Avenue with Veronica; he also attended Blood Washed Ministries with his daughter, Dana. James loved to be with family and friends; he loved to cook and was always available for many family functions to display his culinary skills. James liked to get dressed and hang out with his childhood friends, Freddy “Hotdog” Herbert, Joe “Barbecue” Thompson, Walter “Pepper Sack” Payne and the newly acquired ones from Franklin Square School Apartments, where James was an active member of the community association. James was lovingly cared for by his fiancée, Portia Cook who was there by his side when God called him home. She was there through thick and thin; seeing that James received the best of care at the hospitals and rehabilitation centers. James loved life, he was a considerate and passionate person; he will truly be missed. James leaves to cherish his memory: one son, Rodney Hill; one daughter, Dana Turnage-Johnson; loving and devoted fiancée, Portia Cook; children he nurtured, Veronica, Cynthia and Theresa; two brothers, Carlos and Maurice; seven sisters, Portia, Paulette, Melissa, Ann, Margaret, Susie and Sharon; three sons-in-law, James W. Johnson, Kevin McCallum and Isaac Neal; two aunts, Lauretta Baker and Ruth Baker; uncle, Edward Baker; devoted cousin, Beltina Williams; eleven grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren, two great- great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews; and a host of other loving family and friends. James was preceded in death by: four brothers, Michael, Ronnie, Jimmy and Shawn.

Tributes

James W. Hill

December 8, 1937 - May 13, 2013