TYLER—James Thomas (J.T.) Hill, 82, of Tyler passed away on Aug. 21, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.
He was born Dec. 27, 1943, a native of Huntingdon, Tennessee. H e w as the son of Iva and Tommie Hill.
He lived a life marked by hard work, generosity, creativity and gratitude.
J.T., a 1965 graduate of the University of Tennessee in mechanical engineering, began working for Alcoa (Aluminum Company of America) at the Tennessee Operations. His leadership roles included chief mechanical engineer - Warrick (Indiana) Operations; engineering manager, Mobile (Alabama) Works; power plant and mine manager, Rockdale (Texas) Operations. His final post was vice president of energy at Alcoa’s Primary Metals headquarters in Knoxville, Tennessee.
J.T. retired from his distinguished career in August 2003. During his time in Rockdale, he served on the city council beginning in 1987 for 12 years, served as chairman of the Texas Mining & Reclamation Association in Austin, and served as the president of Rockdale Country Club.
He was always known for his integrity, steady presence, and willingness to help anyone who needed a hand.
Outside of work, he found joy in golfing, reading, gardening, playing horseshoes, fellowship with friends, and always creating or improving something with his engineering mind. He approached every day with strength, a warm heart, infectious enthusiasm and snappy attire.
He leaves to cherish his memory: wife Jackie Demarais, daughter Elizabeth Hill Ballard and husband Brian, granddaughter Brynn Eve Ballard, all of Tyler, who will forever treasure his wisdom, laughter, and unwavering love.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Iva Vickers Hill (1968) and Wade Thomas Hill (2005), and his first wife of 28 years, Natalie Pochop Hill (2026).
A memorial service will be held in Huntingdon, Tennessee, at a later date and he will be buried in the family cemetery on Purdy Road.
Memorial donations in memory of James T. Hill may be made to Hospice of East Texas and UT Southwestern Medical Center for neurological research.