Jay Hilley Death, Obituary -John Jay. Hilley, who resided in Bismarck at 203 East Turnpike Avenue and was 81 years old at the time of his death on April 28, 1999, passed away at a hospital in Bismarck. On Monday morning at 10:30 a.m., memorial services will be place in the Church of Corpus Christi in Bismarck, and the Reverend Steve Zastoupil will preside over the ceremony.

John was one of the individuals who took part in the UND Deeded Body Program, and he will eventually be laid to rest in the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery after he has completed his participation in the program. On Sunday evening at seven o’clock, members of the Knights of Columbus will lead a recitation of the rosary at the Perry Funeral Home in Mandan.

When John James Hilley was born on June 19, 1917 in Jefferson, Iowa, his parents were John J. and Agnes Marie Krenz. John James Hilley’s birthday is June 19. His formative years were spent in Iowa. Following the relocation of he and his family to Bismarck, he enrolled in and graduated from Bismarck High School in 1934 to earn his diploma. Also, he attended the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks for his undergraduate and graduate studies.

On the 21st of January in 1942, John wed Mary Helen Smith in the town of Wibaux, which is located in the state of Montana. During the Second World War, John served in the army of the United States of America. In recognition of his service in the Pacific Theater of Operations, he was presented with the Bronze Star. Following that, he served in a post that kept him based in Japan for the duration of the Occupation.

He continued to serve in the Army right up until the year 1977, when he was promoted to the rank of Major and then left the military altogether. In addition to that, John worked for a number of years in the capacity of manager at the Northbrook Bottle Store. Before leaving his position there, he worked at Sharks Men’s Shop.

In addition to being a life member of the American Legion, VFW, 40 & 8, Eagles, and Elks, he was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, holding a membership in the Third Degree. In addition to that, the Reserve Officers Association honored him with a membership for life.

John is survived by three daughters and one son-in-law, Julie and Jeff Kubisiak, Bismarck, Jeanne Hilley, Parsippany, N.J., and Judy Hilley, Bismarck; two sons and daughters-in-law, John D. and Cathey Hilley, Buxton, and J. Patrick and Linda Hilley, Fergus Falls, Minn.; eight grandchildren, Michael, Michelle, Alison, Jay, Keegan, Gwen, David and Kathryn; and seven great-grandchildren.

His grandparents, both of his parents, his wife Mary Helen (who went away on November 18, 1998), and one of his great-grandchildren, Tyler, all passed away before he did. He was the last of his family members to pass away.