Vernon "Jim" Fletcher Hill was a man of strong character, a dedicated family man, a decorated World War II veteran, and a successful businessman. Known for his kind demeanor, his ability to never meet a stranger, and his passion for family life, Jim's journey from a childhood in Johnston County to a respected figure in his community left a lasting legacy of bravery, honor, and love.

Early Life and Family Roots

Vernon "Jim" Fletcher Hill was born on March 10, 1917, in Johnston County, North Carolina. He was the oldest son of Millard and Zilphia Stancil Hill. Jim's birth was attended by Aunt Sylvia Woodard, a revered midwife.

He earned his lasting nickname, "Jim," from a movie star he admired after seeing a picture show at Moore School House.

Growing up, Jim was joined by four younger sisters: Mavis (born 1918), Hazel (born 1920), Beatrice (born 1925), and Eloise (born 1929).

Like most children, he experienced the chicken pox during his youth. Jim attended Mizpah Presbyterian Church as a child, where his family also later worshipped. His early years were marked by a strong sense of community and a dedication to hard work, values instilled in him by his parents. Jim even showed an entrepreneurial spirit early on, opening a small store at Moore School House where he ran a pool hall and sold soft drinks and hotdogs.

Meeting Dorothy and Courtship

Dorothy June Hill, born Sept. 23, 1923, in Wilson, North Carolina, would become Jim's devoted wife. Dorothy grew up on a tobacco farm in Wilson County and attended Rock Ridge High School, graduating in 1940.

Jim and Dorothy met on a blind date arranged by friends. Jim, with his dark brown hair and blue eyes, made a strong impression. Their first date was at the popular teen hangout, the Corner Grill in Kenly. Jim picked her up in his "Pa's old Ford car." Dorothy remembered Jim going inside for the food, and they sat in the car eating hotdogs and cokes. She was immediately impressed by his gentlemanly demeanor.

World War II Service

As the world plunged into World War II, Jim received his draft letter. Concerned that Dorothy might meet and marry someone else while he was away, he nonetheless had no choice but to answer the call to serve his country. On March 4, 1942, Jim was officially drafted into the United States Army, reporting to Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He weighed 131 pounds at the time and turned 25 just six days after arriving in Fayetteville. He listed his civilian occupation as an automobile mechanic and noted he had completed grammar school.

Jim's military journey began with basic training at Fort Bragg. His natural mechanical aptitude and determination led him to the Armored Cavalry Regiment at Camp Polk, Louisiana, where he learned to drive a tank. As a tank driver, he became an integral part of the Army's armored forces. Jim attained the rank of Master Sergeant during his service.

During his nearly four years in the Army, Jim was stationed in pivotal locations in Europe, including Paris and Berlin. His dedication and courage earned him several commendations:

• Army Good Conduct Ribbon and Medal
• WWII Victory Medal Ribbon and Medal
• American Campaign Medal WWII Ribbon and Medal
• The Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar
• The Honorable Service Lapel Button
• European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal Ribbon with Double Stars on Ribbon and Medal

These awards were a testament to his unwavering commitment and exemplary service. His absence from home was felt, as he was the one who milked the cow, meaning the family went without fresh milk during his deployment.

Jim and Dorothy began corresponding while he was away. Dorothy, during the war, visited her brother in the Washington D.C. area, where she decided to get a job. She worked for the government printing office and once she had enough money, she got her own place to live. Dorothy spent two years in D.C. before returning to North Carolina.

Marriage and Early Family Life

After Jim's military service concluded on December 23, 1945, he returned home to Johnston County. Despite his worries, Dorothy's affection had endured; she had dated others during his absence but none "measured up to Jim."

Jim and Dorothy made plans to marry, driving to the Nash County Court House on February 25, 1946. Dorothy was 22, and Jim was almost 29. Dorothy wore a beautiful blue velvet dress made by a Kenly seamstress named Eula Grainer. When the magistrate asked if they had witnesses, Jim, known for being a man who "never met a stranger," simply walked out onto the sidewalk and quickly brought in two witnesses.

After their marriage, Jim and Dorothy lived with Jim's parents, Millard and Zilphia, for about two years. During this time, Jim farmed alongside his father. However, driven by Ethel's aversion to farm life, they both sought new opportunities. Jim soon transitioned into the timber business, buying and selling timber, where he became very successful. His success allowed them to move to Selma. Eventually, they bought a lot from Millard and built their own house right next door, where Jim continued his successful timber dealings.

Their family grew with the births of their four daughters, all born at the hospital in Wilson:

• Nancy June Collier, born August 25, 1948
• Twin daughters Brenda Kaye Collier and Linda Faye Collier, born May 4, 1951
• Carolyn Frances Collier, born November 24, 1956

Later Life and Legacy

Jim was a dedicated family man who cherished time with his loved ones. He liked to grill out, and his specialty was barbecue chicken. On Sundays, if he didn't attend church, he would often have a plate of his famous BBQ chicken waiting for his family when they returned home. The family attended Mizpah Church and had a black lab as their family dog, as Dorothy never cared much for cats.

Vernon "Jim" Fletcher Hill passed away on September 9, 1973, at the age of 56. He is buried at the Fred Hill Cemetery in the Glendale Community of Johnston County, North Carolina.

His story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals during one of the most challenging periods in history, and he is remembered for his humility, unwavering commitment, bravery, honor, and enduring love.

His widow Dorothy passed away at the Wilson Medical Center on August 31, 2014 in Wilson. She is buried next to her beloved Jim at the Fred Hill Cemetery.