He died Oct. 1. Hill was the project manager of the Clatsop Economic Development Council's fisheries project. Through his leadership and dedication since 1978, Hill expanded the net pen program at Youngs Bay and established net pens in Blind Slough and Tongue Point. As a result, the area at the mouth of the Columbia River provides unique select-area sport and commercial chinook and coho fisheries. Net pens are used to acclimate young salmon and coho to life outside the hatchery.
Volunteers feed the smolts in the net pens for several weeks before they are released.
As adults, the fish return from the ocean to the net pen area where they are targeted by anglers and commercial boats. A memorial service will be held to remember Hill's many contributions to the Clatsop County community. A college trust fund for Jim's children has been established.