James, or Jamie, as many called him was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. James is the son of Walter and Laura (Parzynski) Hilinski and loving brother to Sandra Glenn. He is also preceded in death by his adoring mother-in-law, Mae B. Scott who he loved as his own and who lived with his family from 1974 until her passing in 1996. He has now been reunited with his adoring mom, dad, sister and brother-in-law, Frank Glenn. James grew up on Mt. Washington hovering over Three Rivers and has many stories of adventure, challenges and fun that he has shared with family and friends over the years. James graduated from South Hills High School in 1958 and attended Edinboro State College (now known as PennWest Edinboro) before joining the US Army and serving two years in ammunitions supply. After serving, James moved to California to attend and graduate from California State University, Long Beach. While attending school he met his beautiful wife, Pamela W. Scott, who was attending UCLA. He won her over in a mere 11 days (he knew a good thing when he saw it) and asked her to marry him… she said Yes! Pamela and James married on January 9, 1965, and enjoyed a wonderful 58 years together.
After marrying, Pam told Jamie he needed to get a real job (no more dropping off coupon books for the Chamber of Commerce!). He got to work and found a couple good jobs between 1965-1966, until 1967 landing what would be his career and the job of a lifetime, working for Walt Disney Company. He retired after 30 years of service in 1997. He was highly respected and worked his way up in the contracts and purchasing department, putting himself through law school (while Pamela managed the crew at home). He will always be remembered by his former colleagues for his work ethic, loyalty, leadership, expertise and above all his kindness. He maintained friendships with many who worked with and for him at Disney up until his passing and thought of them as more than coworkers, they were family.
James most prized role (equal to that of husband to Pamela) was that of father to his four children: Mark, Scott, Christine and John. He was so grateful to be a part of all their lives and that of their families: Mark, wife Kym and children Kelly, Tyler and Ryan. Scott, wife Lisa and children, Scott, John, Callie and Isabelle. Christine, husband Tony and children Andrew and Aidan. John, wife Layla and children Paris, Hermes and Cash. James was always present in his children’s lives and activities no matter how busy he was with work or other obligations he still could be found taking them to their games, riding motorcycles in the desert or just sitting in the stands watching them practice. James was the same with his grandchildren and traveled the country in his retirement to be present in their lives. There was never any doubt his family was the light of his life. He was affectionately known as “Papa” by his 12 grandchildren. He will be missed by his niece, Susette, his nephew, David and their families as well as his cousin, Jon, and lifelong friends.
If you knew James, you knew he loved his cars and driving on vacations. He made many trips across country and up and down the West Coast to be with family, Pamela always at his side. James loved every minute of being with the woman of his dreams, the love of his life, and he especially loved watching her dance and sing. He enjoyed golfing with the four J’s and spending time with his good friends from his childhood in Pennsylvania, Bruce and Nora Cook (the families spent many summers together). He was fortunate to have forged many new friendships with neighbors in San Dimas and during his retirement in Arizona at AZT and surrounding communities.
James was a giant among men, with a heart as big as the sun. He was the North Star for his family, and he will always be remembered for his kind and gentle spirit, his unwavering commitment to his family, and his dedication to excellence in all he did both personally and professionally.
An impromptu gathering took place among neighbors of AZ Traditions just a few days after James passing and a private memorial service with military honors will be held in Hyannisport, MA in June.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.surprisefuneralcare.com for the Hilinski family.
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