James Hill

Early life Hill was born in Hamilton, New Zealand, in 1930. After leaving school he started out as a joiner for his father Roy, before becoming a French polisher for a funeral directors, Hill would later drive the hearse. He became self employed in 1965 as James R Hill Funeral Directors.

Hill married Doreen in 1950; they were to have two children.

Later life and death Hill's friend Rowland was chairman of the organising committee for the 1978 World Rowing Championships at Lake Karapiro, with the whole event provided through volunteer labour. Rowland, a marine engineer by training, designed the starting pontoons and Hill built them. Hill also built the towers for the judges. The funeral, conducted by the company that he had founded and that still carries its original name, was held during COVID-19 alert level 3 conditions and only ten guests were permitted.