David James Hilton

David James Hilton, 26, a second year veterinary student of the Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine, went to be with the Lord on September 23, 2015. A native of Virginia Beach VA, David was the son of David E. and Doreen Hilton. David (affectionately known as DJ) was a 2007 graduate from the Math and Science Academy of Ocean Lakes High School, where he was a member of the National Honor Society, Dolphins marching band and Latin club. After obtaining a BS in Biology w a minor in Criminal Justice in December 2010 from Old Dominion University, David worked for Animal Control and the City of Va Beach until he entered graduate school at Ohio State in August of 2014. This summer, David had the honor and great pleasure of becoming a beloved staff member of the Norton Road Veterinary Hospital in Galloway Ohio. David is known for his "infectious smile", positive attitude and encouraging spirit. He joyously celebrated others successes, supportively sympathized with their frustrations, compassionately empathized in their sorrows. People often described him as "the glue that held them together" and the "shoulder that they could cry on". Each day brought new opportunities with a clean slate and he lived life to the fullest. He was an avid reader with an incredible love for animals which led him to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. If asked, David would have described himself as a "simple man". Although we are grieved by this untimely loss, we rejoice that he is now peacefully resting in the loving arms of his almighty Father in heaven. David is survived by his father, David E. Hilton and stepmother Amy Bailey Hilton of Chesapeake, Virginia and his mother Doreen (Fotheringham) Hilton of Virginia Beach and by his adoring sisters Kristin and Brittany and his four legged companion, Bandit. He also leaves behind his paternal grandparents, David A. and Jeannette Hilton, also of Chesapeake; and his maternal grandparents, William and Marion Fotheringham of Calabash, NC. and several loving aunts, uncles and cousins. David was truly devoted to his family and friends and will be sorely missed by all, especially his fellow Class of 2018 and the faculty and staff of OSU Vet School. A memorial service will be held at the Fawcett Center on the campus of Ohio State University, 2400 Olentangy River Road, on Tuesday, September 29th at 5:00 p.m. for all his many friends who have come to know and love him here in the Columbus area. In addition, a second memorial service will be held in his home town of Virginia Beach VA on Sunday, October 11th at 2:30 p.m. at the Virginia Beach Community Chapel, 1261 Laskin Rd Virginia Beach, VA 23451. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to the David J. Hilton Memorial Scholarship Fund # 315281, care of The Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine Office of Advancement, 1900 Coffey Road Columbus, OH. 43210. Arrangements are being handled by SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 1740 Zollinger Road.