JAMES "MOUSE" HILL

James O’Neal “Mouse” Hill was born on October 10, 1948 in Del Rio, Texas to Clifton “Bud” and Clemence “Tiny” Hill. He attended G.W Brackenridge High School- Class of 1966, where he participated in football, baseball, and track and field. After graduation, he joined the United States Air Force in 1967 where he served six years stationed in Athens, Greece as an USAF Postal Courier. He received The Air Force Commendation Medal for meritorious service from September 11, 1968 to May 20, 1971.

Mouse later attended New York University (NYU) and University of Maryland where he received a Bachelor of Business Management degree. This enabled him to achieve a position as a Vice President at a financial institute on Wall Street. Upon his return to San Antonio, he joined the San Antonio Fire Department 624 in 1977 and later attended San Antonio College where he received an Associate in Applied Science- Fire Science degree. He would retire after 30 courageous years serving the community of San Antonio.

Mouse was very active within the San Antonio community. He was one of the founders of the United Black Fire Fighters of San Antonio Inc in 1980 and served as president for 17 years. UBF was very active in providing many worthwhile programs for the community-scholarships, food and clothing programs and many others. In 1993 UBF became a member of the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters. He was an advocate of the recruitment of African American men and women to join the fire department.

Mouse was also an active member and a past president of the Queen of Soul organization for over 40 years. He was also active with the Masonic Lodge – affiliations included Alamo Lodge 1491, San Antonio Consistory #1 and Alkoran Shrine Temple #99. He was a devoted member of Jacobs Chapel United Methodist Church where he was very active with the United Methodist Men and supported other committees within the church. He was known for successful Men’s Day celebrations and numerous annual Fish Fry’s. Mouse always gave credit to his Shepard- the late Mr. Emmis Black, his former father-in-law, for leading him to Jacobs Chapel and being a faithful and active member.

Mouse leaves to celebrate his life and legacy his loving daughter and son-in-law, Angela and Anthony Barlow; two grandsons, Javon Barlow and Austin Barlow; one granddaughter, Alizabeth Barlow. He also leaves his loving wife Cecelia “CeCe” Hill and her children. He also leaves to mourn three “brothers” Shelly Hill (Carson, CA), Ben (Annette) Burleson, and Jackie (Cheryl) Carr and a host of other relatives and friends.

To watch the funeral being live streamed, please go to on Facebook- Lewis Funeral Home at 10:00 A.M.