April 04 1933 July 14 2020
Rev. James Spencer Hills April 04, 1933 – July 14, 2020 Share this obituary Sign Guestbook Reverend James Spencer Hills was born on April 4, 1933 in Littleton, North Carolina, to the late Thomas and Patience Hills. He was the last of ten children who preceded him in death. He attended public schools in Littleton, NC, and at an early age joined the Pleasant Zion Baptist Church. After graduating from Littleton High School he relocated to New York City. In 1953, he joined the Manhattan Baptist Church of New York City under the leadership of the late Reverend Robert B. Pearson. In January 1957, he met the love of his life Sister Ruby Lee McCollough and married her on March 31, 1957. She preceded him in death in September 2016. Reverend Hills served on multiple Ministries in the church such as: Board of Deacons, Board of Trustees, Male Chorus and the Flower Club just to name a few. He was elevated to Chairman of the Board of Deacons where he served faithfully until his calling into the Ministry. In 1987, he was licensed and ordained by the late Reverend James W. Shepherd, Jr. and served as assistant to the Pastor. Reverend Hills was called as Supply Pastor to two churches, Second Saint Andrews Baptist Church and Saint Stephens Baptist Church. After praying and adhering to the Lord, Second Saint Andrews merged with Manhattan Baptist Church. Upon the passing of our late Pastor Rev. James W. Shepherd, Jr. in December 2002, Rev. Hills was called upon to the Pastorship of Manhattan Baptist Church on September 14, 2003 where he served faithfully until his health began to fail. He was a member of the Baptist Ministers Monday Day Conference of NYC & Vicinity, Baptist Ministers Monday Evening Conference of NYC & Vicinity, Baptist Ministers Tuesday Night Bronx Conference of NYC & Vicinity, Empire Baptist Missionary Conference, and the United Usher’s Benevolent League of NYC & Vicinity. Reverend Hills was a member of the W.M. Hiram Grand Lodge for over 50 years. In addition to his Ministry to the church he also ministered on the following bowling leagues, Monday Day League, Tuesday Morning and Evening Leagues and Friday Morning Senior League. Furthering his Ministries through song, he was a member of the following quartet groups where he recorded many songs with each group, The Harps of God, (I Know God Is Able), Harps Travelars (Lord I’m In Your Care), Cross Jordon Singers, and from there he joined the Fantastic Soulernaires (Let Me Lean on You). He maintained several forms of employment before joining New York City MABSTOA System where he worked until retirement. Two of the main teachings was to love ye one another and It’s In The Book. What ever you need It’s In the Book.. On Tuesday, July 14, 2020 at 6:30am the gates swung open and he gained his wings. He leaves to cherish his life and loving memories: his children, Michelle Simmons Bronx, NY, James Hills, Jr., NYC, Michael Simmons (Cynthia) NYC, Larry Tyrone Hills, AL, Evang. Arlene Chambliss (Marshall), Schenctady, NY, Rubena Hills, Bronx, NY, and Jerry Wade McCollough (Monique), Princeton, NJ; uncle-in-law, Clarence McCollough (Rose), Bronx, NY; sisters-in-law, Delcenia Washington, Geraldine Pearson, Willa Lowe (James), Gustavia Lewis (Dobbie), Mittie Lee Traylor and Ann Johnson; brother-in-law, Rev. James McCollough (Juliet) and Lynell C. McCollough (Yolanda); and grandchildren, Brittany, Rayvon, Stephon, Quinton, Charissa, Shacore, Shaqueia, Shane, Veronica, Gabe, CJ and Na’Kia; a host of cousins from the Bronx, New Jersey and North Carolina; a host of great grands, great nieces and great nephews; also adopted children, Brenda, Clemantine, Quinnie, Bernita, Micheal B., Cleotis, Nicole, Xay, Kiani and Sanai; great grand, Za’niyah who cared for him in his time of need; and a host of godchildren. Print Obituary Sign Guestbook Name: Location: Video: Image: Light A Candle Candle 1 Candle 2 Candle 3 Candle 4 Email: Please keep my message private Personal Message: Personal Message (required) Confirm: Submit Guestbook entry
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Rev James Spencer Hills April 04 1933 July 14 2020.
Death notice for the town of: Bronx, state: New York