James Hill

James F. Hill passed away unexpectedly on September 15, 2023 at the age of 70 at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara. Jimmy was born in Wichita, Kansas on April 17, 1953 to James and Marion Cross Hill. His family moved to Grand Lake, Colorado in 1958 where Jimmy developed a passion for nature, hiking, hunting, horseback riding, fishing, and boating. After graduating from Middle Park High School in Granby, CO, Jimmy received a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder.

In 1983, Jimmy moved to Santa Barbara, and not long after, began his career in the software industry joining Wavefront Technologies as Director of Support and Quality Assurance. He then joined Openwave Systems (Software.com) holding positions of Director of Quality Assurance and Senior Solutions Architect, and later Catalyst Mobile as a Director of Quality Assurance. Later in his career, Jimmy was a leading principal of two start-up companies and at the time of his death was SVP, Software Engineering at ZevX (Zero – Electric Vehicles, Inc.)

Through the help of a mutual friend, Jimmy met his future wife, Louise Sorce, in 2000. With Jimmy’s enthusiastic love for life, his nurturing nature, and jolly humor, they instantly connected and in 2004 were married at the Music Academy in Santa Barbara.

Jimmy’s generosity of spirit, energy and excitement for life and his work were infectious. He was a loving husband, step-father, brother, uncle and friend, a tenacious leader and mentor to many. In his spare time, Jimmy enjoyed tending to his beautiful home and gardens with his wife, traveling to Italy, and spending time with his cats, Notte, Joey and Sistina. He devoted his life to graciously and generously helping his family, dear friends, and work partners.

Jimmy is survived by his adoring wife, Louise Sorce Hill of Santa Barbara, step-children Messina DeRose and Dante DeRose both of Santa Barbara, sister Susan (Andy) Andre of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, niece Sara (Brett) Taylor of Sandpoint, ID, nephew Brian (Dana) Collins of Bardstown KY, and five grand nieces and nephews.