Harold J. “Jim” Hiller

Harold James “Jim” Hiller, 95, of State College, passed away at Centre Care on Monday, March 22, 2021. Jim was born in Cassadaga, Chautauqua County, New York on September 15, 1925, a son of the late Warren and Margaret Snyder Hiller. Jim attended local schools and graduated from Cassadaga Valley High School in 1942. He enjoyed all sports, especially golf, both playing and caddying on the golf course at Cassadaga Valley Country Club. Jim enrolled at West Virginia University in 1943 and started courses in Business Administration with a minor in Chemical Engineering. His college was put on hold when he was drafted and enlisted in the United States Navy to serve his country in World War II. He did his boot training at Sampson NY, fire control theory at Bainbridge, MD; fire control operational at Fort Lauderdale, FL; N.A.R.U. at Colgate University, commissioned Ensign. He was honorably discharged as a Lieutenant J. G. at Lido Beach, Long Island on September, 1945. Jim returned to college, completed his degree at West Virginia University in 1947. Jim interviewed with Calvert Distillers in Baltimore and accepted a position in the accounting department. It was there in 1950 he met the love of his life, Barbara Lloyd. He and Barbara were married in September, 1952, in her hometown of Harrisburg, PA. In 1961, Jim was transferred to the New York offices of Joseph E. Seagram; in the Seagram Building. Jim, Barbara and their two daughters settled in Ridgewood, NJ. Jim commuted to New York City until his early retirement in 1986 when they moved to State College, PA. 

Jim is survived by his wife, Barbara and his two daughters, Susan (Pete) Murray of South Carolina, Mary (Michael) Scheffey in PA.; his 3 grandchildren, Jennifer Ham, Kevin Murray, Stacy Scheffey and his 5 great-grandchildren. Jim was a member of Mount Nittany United Methodist Church and State College Elks. Jim enjoyed spending time with his family, collecting stamps and playing golf. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson Brian Murray, and his two brothers, Warren Hiller, Donald Hiller and his close cousin, Harold Snyder. Jim’s family wishes to thank the caregivers at Home Instead whose care kept Jim in his home as long as possible and also would like to acknowledge the staff at Centre Crest for their compassionate care over the last eleven months.

Services and burial will be at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Centre County Memorial Park, College Twp., Centre Co., PA.

Arrangements are under the direction of The Dean K. Wetzler Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Inc. 201 Spring St., Milesburg. Online condolences may be made at www.deankwetzlerfuneralhome.com.