James E. Hugill

James E. Hugill was born in a house in Woodburn Oregon January second, 1934.

1-2-34. What great date to be born and remembered.

He was the youngest child of five. He had four much older siblings. Jim was definitely an oops for his parents. Jimmy was half orphaned by the age of three and left to be raised by his sisters and his mother. But mostly Jim was raised by the town of his time, Woodburn Oregon of the 1930’s and 40’s.

His boyhood was spent hanging around with his pals, exploring the woods, swimming in rivers, eating too many apples off of a neighbors tree and generally having nowhere to be or anyone expecting him. He felt like the luckiest guy in the world.

Jimmy fondly remembered finding himself with a dollar or so and he would spend the whole day at the movies with a hot dog, newsreels and John Wayne in black and white.

Private, Corporal and then Sergeant James Hugill served his country in the United States Army from 1952 to 1955. Followed by five years service in the Oregon National Guard.

In late 1957, Jim sees a photo of a lovely girl from a great family and through “trickery and deceit” finagles a date by calling her at work. An effective tactic it seems as by early 1959 there they were, James and Nancy Hugill.

Within a year, a daughter, Lisa was born and now the Luckiest guy in the world was the worlds happiest dad. The best job of his life so far. Then four years later, a son, John. This family man thing suited Jim and he was really good at being a dad. Really really good.

In 1965 Jim joined the city of Salem Fire Department. Work and service he loved. It would be impossible to number the lives and property he personally had a hand in saving during his twenty six year career. He loved being part of a team, the crew, the gang and he excelled. He elevated through the ranks to the level of Battalion Chief. Jim retired from the department in 1991.

He then devoted some of his time to golf and most of his time to his lifelong passion for reading. He was a great reader. Louis L'Amour his favorite author by far.

Just before 1994 the next big phase of James’ life happened, Grandfather. Twins no less! Sam and Mac brought so much joy to his life and he was a natural at being “Poppy Jim”. By 1999 came grandkid number three, Parker. Who then was followed up two years later by number four, Carson. Oh what a lucky Poppy/Grandpa. “Boy oh boy we get to play with those grand-baby’s“ he would say clapping his hands. He was a good grandfather. Really good.

A natural charmer. Jim was known when he was younger as a witty funny guy, able to command an entire room… IF he wanted to. Most of the time he didn’t want to.

For about the last ten years or so of his life that funny guy made even less and less of an appearance. Which is a shame. However, near the end of his life his wit and charm made some glowing comebacks and he won the hearts and affection of many of his nurses and caregivers. His family each had wonderful moments to visit and catch up. He spoke fondly of his life and friends gone by. He remembered everyone and wanted us all to tell the ones we love we are proud of them and we love them.

Jim was not afraid of dying.

Hours after returning home from a care facility, James E. Hugill passed away peacefully in his house. April 21st. 2018.

His loving wife Nancy at his side.



“There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. Yet that will be the beginning.”  Louis L'Amour



Jim is survived by his wife Nancy.

Daughter Lisa Martin and son in law Bob Martin.

Son John Hugill and daughter in law Toni Hugill.

Grandson Sam Martin and granddaughter-in-law Rachael Martin.

Grandson James “Mac” Martin.

Grandson Parker James Hugill

Grandson Carson HugillPlease leave your condolences and share memories for the family.