James Albert Hill

Obituary For James Albert Hill

Mr. James Albert Hill (Tootie), son of the late Alonzo H. and Virginia Lunsford Hill, was born September 4, 1939, in Durham, North Carolina.

He remained a staple in the Walltown community for his entire life. James transitioned from this life on April 23, 2025, at Duke University Hospital.

As a child, he worked alongside his father to learn the trades of brick masonry and carpentry. These skills provided a source of income from his pre-teen years through early adulthood. Also, during these years, he assisted his father by going door-to-door to register Walltown citizens to vote and drove a school bus to transport his fellow community members to the polls to vote.

James graduated from Whiteville High School in 1957 where he excelled in science and math. He continued his education at Saint Paul’s College, a private historically Black college in Lawrenceville, Virginia. He attended Saint Paul’s on a full academic and vocal scholarship, where he showcased his beautiful baritone voice.

He graduated with a BS degree in Mathematics.

He worked in the medical lab at Duke University as he prepared to enter Duke Medical School. His studies also took him to Johns Hopkins Medical School where he performed laboratory research.

Later in life, James pursued a teaching career with Baltimore City Schools. He taught high school mathematics, biology, and chemistry until his retirement in 2004. However, he continued to tutor students in the health sciences for many years after his retirement.

James and his beloved wife, Vashti, returned to Durham in 2007 to enjoy spending time with family and friends.

One of his greatest loves was the Walltown community where he was raised. Walltown - a historically African American neighborhood – was a working-class community for employees at Duke University, local tobacco companies, and textile mills. Walltown was the town that built him. It instilled his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ and developed his unbreakable bond with the community. He often said that Walltown “established his moral compass, ingrained his work ethic, and put starch in his backbone.”

Upon returning to Durham, James and Vashti found a church home at Guess Road Baptist Church where they were very involved. James also taught Men’s Sunday School and served as the church Treasurer.

James served on the Amy E. Kelly Education Foundation Executive Board where he worked tirelessly to provide scholarships to underprivileged high school graduates.

He also served on the Walltown Reunion Committee to preserve its history and move it forward. As one of the Walltown community members stated, “In Walltown there was a network, a sense of belonging, love and a safe space for its residents.” The committee’s work resulted in the newly named George Wall and George-Frank Wall Center for Student Life on Duke’s East Campus where James’ picture is proudly displayed. The naming of the Wall Center recognizes the contributions of other African American workers who have enhanced Duke with their labors and helped to build community both on campus and in Durham.

Beyond family, friends, and Walltown, James was a loyal fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers; so much so that he selected his casket in black and gold.

James is preceded in death by his parents, Alonzo and Virginia Lunsford Hill, his grandparents (former Pastor of Northeast Baptist Church), Rev. McKeithan and wife Josephine Hill, his wife Vashti Hill, his brothers Edgar Hill, Sherman Hill, Carl Hill, and Bobby Slade. His loved ones who remain include his son James (Ron) Hill, daughter Javonni Luten, daughter Karen Clinkscales, and son Juan Johnson. He has many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He has a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends to cherish his memory.

The family wishes for donations to Guess Road Baptist Church in honor of James A. Hill in lieu of flowers

Funeral Arrangements:
Funeral Service: Saturday, April 26, 2025 | Visitation Service starts at 9:00 am | Funeral Service at 10:00 am.

Place of Service: Guess Road Baptist Church 3102 Guess Rd, Durham, NC 27705

Interment: Oak Grove Memorial Gardens, 3712 Cheek Rd., Durham, NC

Send flowers to the service of James Albert Hill