“John Kent “Jack” Hill, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on December 19, 2024, in St. George, UT, following complications from open-heart surgery due to severe arterial sclerosis. He was 89 years old.
Born on January 27, 1935, in Helper, Utah, Jack was the son of Orson Hyde Hill and Emma Eleanor Johnson Hill. He graduated from Carbon High School in 1953, then attended the College of Eastern Utah before proudly serving as a corpsman in the United States Marine Corps. After his service, Jack pursued higher education at Utah State University, where in 1962 he met and married the spirited and generous of love his life, Mary Carolyn Clark (They were later sealed in the LDS St. George Temple). Shortly after their marriage, the couple moved to Mary’s hometown of Cedar City, Utah, where Jack earned a degree from the College of Southern Utah.
Jack’s career in education began in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he taught for several years. From the classroom, his expertise ultimately led him to the position of Director of KLVX Channel 10, the PBS station in Clark County. While in Las Vegas he dedicated much of his professional life to designing and enhancing educational programming. Jack retired from Clark County with distinction, but his passion for education continued. In 1993, Jack and Mary returned to Cedar City, where Jack became the Director of Distance Education at Southern Utah University, also serving as an Adjunct Professor of Education. He served in this role for approximately 15 years, helping countless students access educational opportunities.
Jack was a life-long member of the LDS Church, having descended from faithful LDS Pioneer Saints. He had a deep and abiding testimony of his Savior Jesus Christ and of the Plan of Salvation.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Orson and Emma Hill, his wife, Mary Carolyn Clark Hill, and his son, John Kyle Hill. He is survived by his daughter, Stephanie Hill, daughter-in-law Tanya Hill, and several grandchildren.
In honor of Jack’s life, a brief funeral service will be held on January 25, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the LDS Cedar City West Stake Center, located at 755 S. 1100 W, Cedar City, UT. The service will be followed by a celebration of Jack’s life to commemorate what would have been his 90th birthday on January 27. Come prepared to share a fun story!
In lieu of sending flowers to the service or family, Jack would want you to send flowers to someone you love. Additionally, funeral attendees are encouraged to bring a new children’s book to donate to Cedar City North Elementary School, where Jack had volunteered to read for the past two years.
Jack’s legacy of love, kindness, and education will continue to inspire all who knew him. The sparkle in his eyes, his jokes and taffy will be deeply missed, but lovingly remembered. To leave on-line condolences to the family, please visit, www.mortuary.org.”