Mark "James" Hill, 65, of Dunkirk, a popular radio personality for Kix Country, died Thursday morning, May 17, 2018 at home following a courageous two-year battle with prostate cancer. He was born September 23, 1952 in Evanston, IL, the son of the late James and Margaret (Orr) Hill, and was raised in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
Beginning in 2010, Mark had served as the operations manager and the morning on-air personality for WBKX-FM (Kix Country) in Dunkirk, switching to afternoons during his illness. Prior to that, he had worked for several radio stations in California, Texas, Oregon and Montana in various capacities, including program director, on-air news, announcer, voice-over talent, producer and consultant.
A lifelong broadcaster, Mark's love of music was apparent from an early age, when he first learned to play the guitar and became a member of the band First Rush. He graduated from Texas Christian University in 1975 with a degree in Radio-TV-Film.
A compassionate man, Mark was known for his love of animals. He rescued or came to the aid of many animals, from dogs and cats to wildlife such as woodchucks, seagulls, seals, pelicans and squirrels.
Mark considered himself a spiritual person who believed in God and the worth of every living being on the planet.
Survivors include his loving wife, Joanne (Cole) Hill, whom he married November 29, 2014; his niece, Jajuan Shearin of Texas; and a brother, Jay Hill, also of Texas.
Memorial services will be held Sunday, May 20 at 2:00 PM in the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home. Mark Thomas will officiate. Calling hours will be held Sunday from 12:00-2:00 PM, two hours prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to an animal shelter of one's choice.
