James N. Hill, 88, of North Warren, died Monday, December 19, 2016, at the Rouse Home.  James was born November 15, 1928, in Indiana, PA.  He was the son of the late James N. and Alta Keim Hill.

He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University, Indiana, PA, and after serving in the US Army, he moved to Warren in 1953, where he began teaching as an art instructor with Warren County School District.  During those first years of teaching, he studied to attain a Master of Education Degree from Penn State University, in 1956.  James continued teaching until retirement in 1980.  Every year at Christmas time, Jim was known for traveling to each classroom in every school in the district, dressed up as Santa Claus, to wish the boys and girls a Merry Christmas.  He also volunteered as Santa to visit and deliver food, toys, and Christmas spirit to less fortunate families.

From 1960-1990, while still working for the School District, James was also employed by the Allegheny National Forest as an illustrator and videographer, and for a number of summers he manned the information booth at Kinzua Point.  The position at the information center also included visiting National Forest campgrounds to give informational programs regarding the history and culture of the region.

As a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Warren, Jim served on the Board of Deacons and the Board of Elders, as well as many committees.  Jim was also involved with many community, volunteer and service organizations.  As a 40 year member of the Warren Lions Club, Jim served in many capacities, including Secretary and President.  Jim was also a Lions International Melvin Jones recipient and Pennsylvania Lions Club Fellow, two of Lions International's highest awards.  Jim volunteered at Warren General Hospital one-day surgery unit for 7 years, and was a charter member of the Interfaith Chapel committee which built the chapel that stands today at the Warren State Hospital.

Jim will be remembered by his students for the attention he gave to them, and by his family, friends and co-workers for his wit and sense of humor.  He was also active in the Warren Players Club where his sense of humor was put to good use.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce Cooley Hill, whom he married September 5, 1952, at the First Baptist church at Groves, TX; daughter, Lori VanAtta, and husband, Dave, of Valencia, PA; and a son, Bradley James Hill, and wife, Julie, of Melbourne, FL.  He is also survived by 3 grandchildren, Margia Hansen, and husband, Justin, of Clarendon, PA, Madisson Hill and Mason James Hill, both of Melbourne, FL.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Margery Hill Smith, West Hartford, CT.

Friends will be received in the parlors at the First Presbyterian Church, 300 Market St., Warren, on Tuesday, December 27, from 10 to 11 a.m., at which time a memorial service will be held there with The Rev. Rob Klouw, pastor, officiating.  Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 300 Market Street, Warren, PA 16365, or a charity of choice.