Celebration of Life: Jack Hill, September 19, 1950 – January 4, 2025

Jack Hill, a longtime resident of California City and member of St. Jude’s in the Mountains Anglican Church, passed away on Jan. 4 after a four-month battle with cancer. He led an amazing life and will be missed by his friends and loved ones.

Jack was born and raised in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He joined the Air Force after High School, maintaining aircraft during the Vietnam War as a highly skilled Avionics Technician. After serving in the war he married his wife, Kathryn, also from Oklahoma City and he continued his service in Germany and in England, accompanied by his wife. In the 1980s he continued his service in the Continental U.S. as a crew chief on the B-52, serving at Blytheville AFB, Arkansas and at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma with Strategic Air Command.

His career culminated at Edwards AFB as an avionics technician and as one of the first crew chiefs for the B-2 bomber. Jack retired to California City in 1992 while his wife worked directly under several general officers in a senior government position at Edwards AFB. Jack and Kathryn both remained together at their home in California City after retirement until they each passed away.

Jack had a tremendous love for God and for music. He had been a very active member of St. Jude’s in the Mountains Anglican Church in Tehachapi for over 20 years. He made many friends in that church and loved serving in their music ministry with his guitar. Jack was a highly skilled guitarist, not only playing for church services but also with several music groups in Tehachapi, including the “Pat Strong Trio,” entertaining guests at restaurants and other venues.

When Jack wasn’t busy helping out his church or performing, he loved custom building electric guitars and teaching other guitarists to play at his level. Jack leaves behind a legacy of a loving church, blessed family and friends and a grateful nation.

The memorial service for Jack will be at St. Jude’s in the Mountains Anglican Church on Friday, Feb. 7 at 10 a.m. The church is located at 1200 S. Curry St. Any memorial offerings can be given to that church and mailed to P.O. Box 278, Tehachapi, CA 93581. He will be interred with his wife at California City Cemetery with full military honors immediately after the service.