James Ronald Greenhill
James Ronald Greenhill, 86, of Waverly, a longtime Portsmouth resident, passed away Thursday, September 16, 2021, at Adena Waverly. Jim was born January 8, 1935 in New Boston, a son of the late Arlie Greenhill and Viola (Sagraves) Greenhill Breault.
Jim served 20 years with the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a SMSgt. For his service, he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Force Longevity Award with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters and the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon. He served with the Strategic Air Command and while serving as an aircraft engine repair instructor at Chanute AFB, where he earned the nickname “Jimmy Jet”. He owned Greenhill’s Bible and Art Supplies, where he sold art supplies, Christian books and gifts and taught art lessons in Rantoul, IL. A multi-faceted man, he had many interests in addition to art and sculpting. A serious adventurer and traveler, he enjoyed flying ultralight aircraft and he was an avid motorcycle enthusiast. He and his late wife, Linda, spent many hours travelling the country in their RV, enjoying camping along the way. The couple attended Cornerstone United Methodist Church when they resided in Portsmouth.
Jim also had a passion for community service. He served as the Executive Director for Goodwill Industries for more than 20 years and was a member and past President of the Kiwanis Club of Portsmouth. He was also a member and two-time past Commander of the James Dickey Post #23 American Legion, a Kentucky Colonel and a member of the Waverly Masonic Lodge #321. Jim was also a member of the El Hasa Shrine Club and he thoroughly enjoyed participating in the Portsmouth River Days Parade as a member of the Hillbilly Shrine Club.
Surviving are his children, Vicki (Kevin) Defeda of Rochester, NY, Jay R. (Kathy Cooper) Greenhill and Crystal E. (Darrin) Morgan, all of Minford; six grandchildren, Brittany Greenhill, Samuel (Laura) Easterday, Curtis (Catrina) Easterday, James Easterday, James Reed and Jennifer (Shawn) Perera; 11 great-grandchildren; and 8 great-great-grandchildren; special nephew and niece, Ronald Gulley and Joyce Barnette and their families; and his special friend, Barb Smith.
Jim was also preceded in death by his son, James Ronald Greenhill II; two granddaughters, Lacie Rodriguez and Jamie (Nick) Bauman; and a sister, Wanda Jean Gulley.
Private funeral services will be held with the James Dickey Post #23 American Legion Honor Detail providing military graveside rites. Pastor Ronald Gulley will officiate the service.. Arrangements are under the direction of the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home Portsmouth.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Sierra’s Haven for New & Used Pets, 80 Easter Dr., Portsmouth, OH 45662.
