John “J.D.” Hill, age 73, of Clay City, Illinois, passed away Thursday morning, February 20, 2025, at his home in Clay City.

      He was born November 3, 1951, in Flora, the son of Forrest Earl and Pauline “Pat” (Mosely) Hill. In 1969, he married Vickie McHenry in Flora. Although they later divorced, they remained good friends.

      J.D. worked as a heavy equipment operator, primarily focusing on crane operations. He spent much of his career with the International Union of Operating Engineers 841 and worked at Shows Equipment in Mississippi. In his free time, he enjoyed woodworking and riding his Harley.  He embraced every moment and truly lived his life to the fullest.

      He is survived by his children: Misty Hill of Clay City, John (Camelia) Hill of Mt. Vernon, Indiana, and DJ Hill (Kerry Lister) of Clay City; 11 grandchildren: Caleb (Jamie) Cochran, Jennifer Cochran, Jessica Cochran, Jaron Hill, Ashley Hill, Gerald Rawls, Dakota Atkisson, Cheyenne Atkisson, Dravien Gray, Zowie Hill, and Dezza Hill; 17 great-grandchildren: Erica Cochran, Emily Cochran, Gage Cochran, Madison Cochran, Mary-Jane Hill, Cheyanna Hill, Josefina Schofield, Archer Rawls, Fletcher Rawls, Marley Rawls, Raeley Rawls, Harley Flexter, Karson Atkisson, Kaislee Atkisson, Haden Evilsizer, Zane Gibbons, and Raven Atkisson; brother: Alan (Tammy) Hill of Louisville; two sisters: Martha Wickiser of Olney and Paula (Randy) Rector of Orchardville; and friend: Vickie Hill of Clay City.

      He is preceded in death by his parents; grandson: Drake Hill; great-grandchild: Jordan Edgington; and a nephew: Preston Hill.

      A memorial service will take place at a later date. Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora assisted with arrangements. Memorial donations are suggested to the family to assist with final expenses, and these will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com