Jeffrey Allen Hill, 73, formerly of River Forest, died on May 23, 2026, while on a fishing trip in Perla Negra, Mexico. Born in El Paso, Texas, on March 16, 1953, the first child of the late Charles Frederick Hill and the late Mary Lou Bennett Hill, the family moved back to Madison, Indiana, and he loved growing up there. He remained a gregarious, small-town kind of guy, whether he was living in his hometown of Madison, River Forest, or his last home of Ellensburg, Washington.
A renaissance man, he was a successful paper salesman, in large part due to his big and warm personality, he also had an in-depth knowledge of music, poetry, philosophy, fishing, and sports. His offbeat sense of humor kept others laughing whenever he was around.
He lived a passionate life. He and his son, Jacob, reveled in their enjoyment of fishing, ’60s music (especially the Beatles, Beach Boys, and Grateful Dead), and guitar playing and singing. He nurtured lifelong friendships with an annual party at his Brooksburg farm. Whether he was coaching Jacob’s sports teams, playing music, cheering for IU basketball, or fishing all over the world, he brought his enthusiastic spirit and generous heart. He was a prolific song and letter writer, and we cherish the magic of his words.
Jeffrey is survived by his son, Jacob; his siblings, Deuce Hill (Julie), Beth Ann Hill, David Hill, and Christopher (Natalie) Hill; his partner, Sharon Cowdery; his one-time wife, Deborah Fish Hill; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.
Donations in Jeffrey’s memory can be sent to: Whitefish Review, 311 E. 1st St., Whitefish, Montana 59937; or online at: whitefishreview.org/donate.htm
Gatherings to honor his memory will be announced at a later date.