James G Hilliard

Rank: TSgt (R)

Entered Into Eternal Rest
1993-07-26

TSgt (Ret.) James G. Hilliard, 50,  died Monday, July 26, 1993 in Spokane, Washington.  Born in Hood River, Oregon, he attended Walla Walla High School.

He joined the Air Force at age 17 and served as a Combat air traffic Controller.  He served three tours in Vietnam and was also stationed at Fairchild AFB until hrs retirement in 1980 following 20 years of service.

Following his retirement, he worked for the State of Washington in the Spokane Child Protective Services unit.  He was a member of the Air Force Association, the Retired Enlisted Association, and the Combat Control Association.

Survivors include a daughter, Kari Rangel of Spanaway, Washington; a son, Kevin James Hilliard; Jim’s mother, Margie Burkhadt of Milton-Freewater, Oregon; four brothers.   Rick Hilliard of Susanville, Calif; Ken Burkhardt of Alsea, OR; and Robert and Gary Hilliard, both of Mrlton- Freewater; two sisters, Sharlene Kaliours of Bend, OR and Jan Young of Walla Walla; two grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

On behalf of myself and Jim’s family, I would like to thank the Combat Control Association for the beautiful spray of flowers that was sent to Jim’s memorial service.   It was a fitting tribute as it was the only arrangement present and was from the support group he prized the most highly! Your thoughtfulness will be remembered always.

Sincerely, Lydia Hilliard

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1 entry.
SMsgt PW Collins (ret) wrote on August 5, 2023
One time on Travis AFB DZ at Wilton CA, on a night C124 drop, we saw a CDS load exit and the parachute release fired and the load began to break up. Jim dove under the front axle of the weapons carrier and I went under the rear. The 4 drums bracketed the weps. When we crawled out, Jim gave the acft the news that their bomb load was on target, but the AD load broke up in air and was no score.
One time on Travis AFB DZ at Wilton CA, on a night C124 drop, we saw a CDS load exit and the parachute release fired and the load began to break up. Jim dove under the front axle of the weapons carrier and I went under the rear. The 4 drums bracketed the weps. When we crawled out, Jim gave the acft the news that their bomb load was on target, but the AD load broke up in air and was no score.... Collapse