Jessie "Jay" Alton Hill, Jr.

Jessie Alton Hill, Jr., 82, of New Bern, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on September 15, 2026, surrounded by the love and memories of those who meant so much to him.

He was born on December 15, 1943, in Little Washington, North Carolina, and grew up in Winterville, North Carolina, where he was raised, made lifelong memories, and began building the foundation for the life and relationships that meant so much to him. Jessie was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Throughout his life, he was known for his kindness, generosity, quick wit, and deep and unwavering faith. He had a way of making people feel welcome and valued, and he formed friendships that lasted a lifetime.

After graduating from Winterville High School in 1962, Jessie proudly joined the United States Air Force, where he served for four years as a pararescue jumper with the Air Rescue Service. Following his military service, he began a successful 30-year career with Xerox Corporation, where he served as a sales manager. Jessie took great pride not only in his work, but in the relationships he built along the way. After leaving Xerox, he founded his own company, Cooper Consulting, where he continued to build lasting business partnerships and, more importantly to him, lasting friendships.

Outside of work, Jessie enjoyed watching sports, especially SEC football, fishing, scalloping, and being involved with the Shriners. He was a proud Shriner and a member of the Sudan Cooligans, an organization in which he found friendship, fellowship, and camaraderie. His faith was a cornerstone of his life, and he cherished his church family at Bayboro Baptist Church. He was grateful for the love, fellowship, and support of his church family and considered them an important part of his life.

Jessie appreciated good conversation, good humor, and the simple pleasures of spending time with people he loved. He was a very proud Papa and J-Pop to all of his grandchildren, bringing the perfect mix of calm, thoughtfulness, and wisdom together with a silly, playful, and fun-loving spirit. He treasured every moment with them and took great joy in watching them grow and making memories together. Above all, Jessie treasured his family. His greatest joy came from being present for the people he cared about and making sure they knew how much they meant to him.

Jessie was a devoted son and son-in-law and demonstrated that devotion through his actions. While his family lived in Killearn Estates in Tallahassee, Florida, he became the primary caregiver for his mother-in-law, caring for her with patience, love, and compassion. He also cared for his parents during their time at Woodmont Senior Living in Tallahassee. Family was never simply a word to Jessie, it was a responsibility and a privilege, and he gave of himself generously to those he loved.

Those who knew Jessie will remember his warm heart, generous spirit, wonderful sense of humor, and devotion to the cherished community around him. He was the kind of person who gave freely of his time, his attention, and his heart. He made a difference in the lives of the people around him, often in quiet ways that were never forgotten. He was, simply, a good human being, and he will be deeply missed.

Jessie is survived by his wife, Gladys Cox; his children, Baret H. Avery (Lane) of Signal Mountain, Tennessee; Adriene D. Hill (Dena) of Crawfordville, Florida; and Jay K. Hill of Dallas, GA; daughter-in-law Kristi Hill of Tallahassee, Florida; his grandchildren, Jessie Downing Hill, Maddie Avery Brown (Philip), and Cooper Jay Hill; his stepson, Darren Cox, his step-granddaughters, Nicole, Lauren, and Megan, and his step-great-granddaughters, Isla and Ellie; his stepdaughter, Jaime Cox, and his step-grandchildren, Maddie and Ryder; his sisters-in-law, Vickie Wood of New Bern, North Carolina, and Carole Hillebrand of Prattville, Alabama; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Kathy; his sister, Laura; and his parents, Alton and Ellen.

Jessie leaves behind a lifetime of memories, friendships, laughter, love, and faith. His family and friends will carry those memories with them and will be grateful for the years they were blessed to have him in their lives. His presence will be missed, but the love he gave and the lives he touched will remain.

The family will be receiving friends for a visitation at Bayboro Missionary Baptist Church, located on 101 Main Street, Bayboro, NC 28515 on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 11:00a.m. with a Memorial Service with military honors, immediately following at 12:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Bayboro Baptist Church, PO Box 276, Bayboro, NC 28515 or Sudan Shrine Hospital for Crippled Children in care of Sudan Shriner P.O Box 12829, New Bern, NC 28562

Jessie will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.