Obituary of James Allen Hillard

Memorial services for James Allen Hillard, 79, will be held on Friday, September 27, 2019 at 1:00 pm at the Lovington Masonic Lodge with Ray Manley officiating. James was born on July 8, 1940 in Eunice, NM to James Dee and Imogene Isabel (Masterson) Hillard and passed away at home on September 19, 2019 with his family in attendance. He graduated from Lovington High School in the class of 1958 and has worked as a truck driver his entire life. His most enjoyable position was entrepreneur with his company, the Hillard Hay Company, as he thrived doing business with various hay farmers, dairies and feedlots. He had also been employed at Halliburton, Gandy's and Double R Pipe. He marrried the love of his life, Frances Ellen turner on June 22, 1968 and they have shared two daughters, two step-daughters, who in turn gave them eight grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, father and "Papa." James was a solid role model in all of their lives and the glue in their family. He was an avid storyteller and never met a stranger. He was a hunter and a collector of many things and was a history buff. He loved the local history of Lea county and New Mexico and kept a true sense of wonder that never went away. His pride and joy was his 1967 Peterbilt truck in which he worked out of for thirty seven years before selling it. He also restored a 1958 Chevrolet Apache in which he referred to as "The Poor Man's Cameo", both were painted a brilliant yellow with maroon trim, his favorite colors. James was a member of Lovington Masonic Lodge #46 and appreciated the camaraderie he found within the brotherhood of the Lodge. His brothers left a lasting impression on him. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother: Jerry Dee Hillard; granddaughter: Cynda Rae Cawley and his lifelong best friend, Don Gregory. Surviving his is his wife Frances of the home, one brother: Danny and wife Teresa Hillard of Lovington; one sister: Betty Jane Richardson of Hobbs; two Daughters: Teri Hillard of Raytown, MO, Brandi Hillard of Hobbs and step-daughters: Tracy Harris of Lovington and Tammy Cawley of Greenwood, TX; as well as his granddaughter: Brittney Moreno of Hobbs and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.