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BLOOMINGTON — Jay M. Hilton, 68, Tofte, Minn., and Paradise, Mich., formerly of Bloomington, left this earth to meet up with his beloved hunting dogs Josie, Gizmo and Annie at the happy hunting grounds in heaven Sunday (Jan. 27, 2013) at Grand Marais, Minn., after complications from a fall. He was spending his usual winter season at his condo in Tofte, Minn., on the shore of Lake Superior with his wife, BJ, who survives.
Jay was born Aug. 27, 1944, in Taylorville, son of Elmer and Doris Angleton Hilton. They preceded him in death. He was raised in Bloomington, graduated from Bloomington High School in 1962 and Illinois Wesleyan University in 1966. He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. He spent his almost 30-year career in the Human Resources Department of State Farm Insurance Cos. at various locations in Missouri and Illinois.
Jay is survived by three daughters from his previous marriage to Judy Jaycox Herring, Leigh Ann (Jeff) Hoyt, Sao Paulo, Brazil, and grandchildren, Jane and Gwen; Jayne (John) Willard, Naperville, and grandchildren, Grace, Elizabeth and Katherine; and Jacque (Doug) Clermont, Naperville, and grandchildren, Lily, William, Joseph and John. Also surviving are his sister, Helen Kay (Michael) Cotner, Bloomington and Fort Myers, Fla.; nephew, Keith (Jennifer) Dalrymple, Murfreesboro, Tenn., and great-nephew, Jacob; niece, Amy Dalrymple (Rod) Hill, Aurora, and great-nieces, Kayleigh and Braelyn. Special friend Bob Heim also survives.
Jay married BJ Farris in June 1993 and together they enjoyed exploring the U.S. and Scotland by RV and cherished their summertimes at their cabin on Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Jay was a lifelong sportsman and rugby player (including playing in the Old Boys League in Chicago) and supporter of IWU, Bloomington-Normal YMCA, Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever. Jay was a longtime member of the board of directors of the local YMCA.
Cremation has taken place, according to Jay’s wishes, and a memorial service is planned by family this summer.
Memorials may be directed to the ASPCA or Bloomington-Normal YMCA.
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Terry Shoup
Hey, Goose, we had some good times! You'll be missed.
Richard Center
I knew Jay from 3rd Grade at Irving, He was always a great speaker in class in grade school. I was always too shy. He was a friend thru all grade school, high school. Great athlete.Rudgy player. I will miss him greatly.
Patti Perry (Daubs)
Jay was my love for most of high school(note: he dropped me). A couple of years ago, he wrote to me for an old family recipe. He and BJ were planning on stopping by here some time when they moved from the winter spot to summer place, but it never happened. I am sorry we didn't get ithe chance for that visit. We emailed several times before the reunion; he was looking forward to the reunion, and then health problems prevented that, also. But, from what I could tell from his communication, he seemed to be very content and happy with his life now. I am very glad for that. God bless!
Patti