On Monday, my father and I traveled to Atlanta, Georgia to see a man I had known all my life. He was a classmate of my father’s in preaching school and my brothers and I had grown up jokingly referring to him as our “big brother.” My dad and I were going to see him because we knew he was in the final stages of his battle with cancer, and we wanted the chance to visit with him one more time.
Paul wrote to the Philippians, “Brethren, be followers of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an example… For our conversation is in heaven; from whence we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself” (Phi. 3:17, 20-21). Paul talked about the necessity of following the examples of those who walk according to the Gospel of Christ and live the truth of the Gospel in their lives.
Jimmie Hill was this type of example for many people. His work for the cause of Christ took him around the world; from Australia and New Zealand, to the pacific islands, to Iceland, to the nations of Africa: Jimmie spent his life living out the great commission. His ability to teach was both enlightening and encouraging, and his desire to reach the lost was the greatest ambition of his life.
But Jimmie did not just preach the Gospel, he lived it. He was a faithful husband and loving father. One who loved and cherished his family greatly and recognized the importance and responsibility of seeing to one’s own family first. Jimmie was always quick with a joke and a laugh, but he also knew when to be serious and always took the truth very seriously. He would not remove himself from it, nor would he allow others to propagate that which was false in his presence without a reply.
Last night, Jimmie finished his course. He lived a life that would have allowed him to make the same statement the great apostle made when he wrote, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Tim. 4:7-8). In fact, in the days leading up to his death, while under hospice care at home, Jimmie did not wallow in self-pity and fear, instead he set up a Bible study with his hospice nurse: still finding ways to spread the Gospel.
In an age where fools lift up athletes, the wealthy, and people who live their lives pretending they are someone else as role models; it needs to be shown who the real role models are. Individuals need to be held up who exemplify a life’s walk in service to the Creator. Jimmie was one of many such individuals I have had the pleasure of seeing, knowing, and loving in my life. I am thankful for the years that I had to know him, the influence he exerted on the lives of so many, and I pray that the example of his life will continue to live in the lives of those with whom he worked and taught as the days go by.
11 Comments on “Exemplifying a Life’s Walk”
He will be missed. Brother Jimmy was an outstanding Christian and I know no better missionary and lover of souls than him.
A very humble servant of God has crossed over and we are encouraged by his example. Thanks for the wonderful thoughts about this bond-servant of a Man.
Glenn I. Hitchcock
I cry because I miss him, but I know that he has prepared all his life for his final journey on this earth. Thank you so much.
Rest in peace, dear brother. Although we are saddened to hear of his passing, we rejoice for the eternal life that awaits him. Our congregation will keep Linda in our prayers.
He will be missed. He was such an encourager. I always look forward to the work and hearing him say Hi brother Richard no matter when I called. Although he is in a better place we who live hear will sorrow but he is happy now
He was a wonderful brother and servant of the Lord. though I never met him, but did talk with him through facebook and his faith was a great encouragement to me. Jesus loves you most. rest in peace.
Our consolation goes to His family .
We will miss him greatly. He was a man that cared about the souls of mankind, a man who loved God, and a man who has been a great christian example for us all.
I met Jimmie when I became a teacher for TFTW over 10 years ago and recently started teaching at IBTM. I have a great respect for this man and woman I have never met face to face. It is obvious they have loved the Lord with all their hearts and souls. Thousands have now heard the gospel and many have responded through the efforts of these two. I can hear the words “Welcome good and faithful servant” as if I were standing there. There are no goodbyes among the faithful. May we continue our walk so that we may say “See you there Jimmie”. Pat Herren
Brother Jimmie’s Family& Friends,
After reading the joyful ,loving,caring ,about our Brother may he rest in peace.
GOD IS WITH HIM FOREVER AND FOREVER…………
This is beatifully written, Adam! Thank you! Jimmie was so much to us RH “kids!” We will surely miss him, but looking forward to Heaven even more!!
Precious kingdom Greetings, I’m a current student from IBTM my instructor let me know that Jim went to be with the Lord.That was so sad because i felt like family. My condolences and prayers goes out to the family, Know that he will be miss but he is in Jesus care and went on to reap his reward.