James David Hilger

James David Hilger, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and man after God’s own heart, passed peacefully at home in Colorado on February 21, 2026, surrounded by his devoted wife, children, and grandchildren. He was 74 years old.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents Charles and Nancy Hilger, and his older brothers, Chuck, Patrick, and Robert. He is survived by his younger sister, Nancy Jr.; his devoted wife of 32 years, Catherine Hilger; and their blended family of children (in birth order): Kristi Self (Chad); Mandi Johnson; Cambri Hilger; Scott Laurel (DeAnna); Jameson Hilger (Taylona); and Bryan Laurel (Andrea).

He also watches over his cherished brood of grandchildren from Heaven: Xander and Riley Southern, Alexis and Talon Laurel, Wyatt Hilger, Samuel Johnson, Alistair and Cyrus Laurel.

Born September 21, 1951, in Clifton, TX, Jim grew up beneath wide Texas skies, but after a trip to the Rocky Mountains in 1977, he carried a dream in his heart to live in Colorado, “Where it’s not so darn hot or flat.” He moved to Colorado in 1985 and left Texas in the rear-view mirror. In 1993, he met Catherine, his "dream girl" and love of his life. They blended their families in 1994 and embraced the sacred, messy work of building stability, beauty, adventure, and ministry for those who would follow. In 1995, they purchased a small condo in Estes Park from Catherine's aunt. It was a goal Jim not only realized but relished and treasured with Catherine and all who gathered there.

Though his early years were filled with adventure and more than a little tomfoolery, Jim's storied life truly began at age 40. It was then that he returned to his faith, rooted himself deeply in God’s Word, and began the intentional work of building a generational legacy.

Without a college education but with relentless determination, Jim entered the car business around 1988. For over 30 years, often working six days a week and sometimes 16-hour days, he labored to create opportunity and stability for his family. His work ethic was fierce. His love was steady. His vision was generational. When he retired from Mercedes-Benz in 2021, he had worked his way up through his entire career, creating ripples of influence and demonstrating mastery in both Finance and Sales Management.

Jim’s faith shaped everything in his life. He loved the Psalms and clung to them through every season. He endeavored to live a life of service and devotion to God, leading by example in everything he did. He served as Chairman of the Board for Partners of Progressive Ministries Uganda for 11 years, living out his conviction that faith must move beyond words and into action. After retirement in 2021, his greatest joy was serving on the church council. He loved "getting things done" and doing all he could to help the church grow. Though an introvert, he had a passion for meeting church visitors and making them feel welcomed.

When Jim received his cancer diagnosis in March 2024, he was not angry with God…his mission was simple: to finish well. Catherine embraced her mission alongside him: To walk with him and help him finish well. Together, in courage, tenderness, and deep devotion, they became like a pair of binary stars - holding fast through the night, magnetizing every spiritual gift and blessing into the orbit around them. They completed the mission with blessings beyond imagination to their family, friends, and acquaintances.

Cancer took his body, but it did not take his soul. In his final days and hours, he was at peace and ready to meet the Lord, and all who waited to greet him there.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

2 Timothy 4:7 (ESV)

He lifted his eyes to the hills he loved:

“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”

Psalm 121:1–2 (ESV)

And we trust the promise that now surrounds him:

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Psalm 23:6 (ESV)

We believe he now dwells in that house, in the presence of the Lord he trusted, reunited with those who have gone before him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at: Mountain View Bible Fellowship, 1575 S. St. Vrain, Estes Park, Colorado on Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Lunch to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Partners of Progressive Ministries Uganda at progressiveministries.org.

Arrangements were entrusted to Lawson Funeral Home, Meridian, Texas 254-435-2792.