James Carl Hills

James “Jim” Carl Hills (WD9JCE)

August 16, 1955 – September 4, 2026

James “Jim” Carl Hills born August 16, 1955, in Indianapolis, Indiana to the late Carl E. and Cornelia “Connie” N. (Hausz) Hills logged off his final frequency on September 4, 2026, at the age of 71. He graduated from Thomas Carr Howe High School in 1974 and soon discovered his lifelong love of tinkering with electronics. Under his CB handle “Hopper,” Jim began talking to strangers all over the country and shortly thereafter realized his new hobby was not just a hobby but a passion. He got his Amateur (HAM) Radio Novice License in 1978 and began connecting with strangers across the globe, weaving many into his chosen family.

A retired special deputy sheriff and EMT who, when not in uniform outsmarting the bad guys to protect the good ones, was invariably found at his desk or in his RV on his radio under his call name, WD9JCE. He was an expert in OHM’s law, a master of Morse code, and the only person in the neighborhood with antennas you’d think could reach heaven. During his lifetime, he didn’t just collect contacts; he collected friends, QSL cards, challenge coins and fur babies.

Jim has successfully negotiated his final retirement package: eternal peace. He is now reunited with his parents and sister, Judy Ann Trosper, who welcomed him to heaven with open arms. He is lovingly remembered by his sister, Nancy (Jim) Rayot, his family of both biological and chosen kin, and his cherished devoted pets who will always remember Jim and carry their love for him in their hearts.

The funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, September 15, at Indiana Funeral Care, Greenwood Chapel, 2433 E. Main Street, with Pastor Matthew Wall officiating. Burial will follow at Concordia Cemetery in Indianapolis. Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Piglet Radio Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit amateur radio club in Indiana to honor the desire Jim had to foster the amateur radio hobby in our youth today. www.pigletradio.org

The airwaves are a little quieter now, but the signal remains. 73, WD9JCE – Silent Key