James "Jim" A. Hilf

Jim Hilf, age 70, of Romulus, MI, passed away on May 7, 2026, after a long, courageous, battle with cancer. Born on March 29, 1956, to Robert and Nancy Hilf in Canton, OH; Jim was known for his quick laugh, generosity, and his passion for NASCAR and horse racing.

Jim was never afraid to try new jobs and worked as a miner in the Western Pennsylvania coal mines, beverage gas delivery, and for many years at the Coca-Cola distribution center in VanBuren Twp where he was as fondly known as “Hillbilly”. Jim also worked at the Northville Downs horse racing track for many years and had an apartment above the horse stables for several years.

Jim made many friends over the years while living in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. Jim enjoyed many trips to visit Aunts, Uncles, and cousins in Hamiliton/Toronto Canada. One of the most memorable was sitting in the Toronto Island Park and having the British Airways Concord fly overhead on its inaugural flight to Canada. Jim loved his first sighting of wild alligators in Florida and being up north at his sister’s cottage.

Jim is survived by his sister Leslie and brother-in-law Joe Koscielecki, his dear friend and life companion, Cheri Bealer, who cared for him and allowed Jim to depart this world at his home in his favorite chair, his cousin Toni Ellen Streckert (Dave) who was very special to Jim and always made him laugh, his many cousins in Canada, and Gizmo the cat, that seldom left his side except to gets his “snacks”. Jim was predeceased by his father and mother, Bob and Nancy Hilf.

As per Jim’s wishes, there will not be a memorial service. Anyone wishing to make a donation in memory of Jim can be made to the Michigan Humane Society.