Mr. James J. Hilton, age 88, of Colbert, Oklahoma passed away peacefully at his home on January 4, 2011, surrounded by his loving family and friends.

James was born on June 8, 1922 to William and Isla Jane Starks Hilton. He was married to Janice Allford, who preceded him in death after 49 years of marriage.

James proudly served in World War II as a heavy equipment operator. He was a skilled welder and worked for Haile Trailer Company until his retirement.

He loved to fish and hunt and build birdhouses, but his favorite hobby was playing

dominoes (42) with his friends.

On August 18, 1993, he married Jewell McKinney Stone. Together, they made a life filled with love, laughter and Christian values. They spent vacations traveling from coast to coast until his health began to fail.

Anyone who ever knew James loved him. He was the sweetest, most giving man you would ever know. James was a member of the First Baptist Church in Colbert.

He was preceded in death by his two brothers and six sisters.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jewell, sons James “Jimmy” Hilton of Colbert & Kevin Polk of Sherman, Texas, daughter Kathy Polk Barber of Colbert and Kathy’s dearest friend, Deborah Morrison of Colbert, also, James’ best buddy, Sam Sorrell of Cartwright.

James (PePaw) adored his grandchildren, Kalieb, Paige, KC, Joshua and Jason and two great-granddaughters, Hannah and Alicia.

Services for Mr. Hilton will be conducted on Friday, January 7, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Colbert. Officiating will be Pastor Roy Vinson, long time family friend, Reverend Bob Stevens and Rev. James Hilton.

All arrangements are under the direction of American Funeral Services of 107 N. Burney St. in Colbert.

James will be laid to rest in the Garden of Memory Cemetery in Colbert. He will be missed but never forgotten.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations will be acceptable to the Building Fund of the First Baptist Church in Colbert.

Visitation for family and friends will be on Thursday, January 6, 2011 between the hours of 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the American Funeral Services in Colbert.

You may sign the online register at www.americanfuneralservice-fh.com