Born in Kenora and raised in Port Arthur, Jimmy Hill went on to become one of the finest amateur athletes involved in sports at the local level during the 1930s and 40s. His versatility and outstanding athletic abilities allowed him to participate in and excel at a wide variety of both individual and team-oriented sports.

A goalie for Port Arthur senior hockey teams for some 15 years, Jimmy contributed strongly to the Port Arthur Seniors' 1937 Thunder Bay - Manitoba championship title, being voted Most Valuable Player honours in the league. In 1944 he minded the nets once again as the PASCOL's hockey team went on to claim the Western Canadian Championship title, earning entry into the Allan Cup finals.

Playing outfield and shortstop for Port Arthur softball teams he was a member of three commercial and three district championship teams.

A halfback and kicker in football, he played for Port Arthur Collegiate teams for three years, claiming a district championship in 1932 and another three years with the Port Arthur Seniors saw a district title in 1934.

Basketball was another sport that Jimmy was involved in at Port Arthur Collegiate, playing forward for two intercollegiate and three district championship teams.

A member of the Shuniah and Hillcrest Soccer clubs during the 1930s, Jimmy's exceptional talents as a fullback led him to be named to the local All-Star team which played against a touring English team in 1938. In 1939, while in Saskatchewan playing with the CN Railway Soccer Club, Jim added a provincial title to his record.

Jimmy also excelled in individual sports, with first-place finishes in the pole vault and discus at local meets. A successful golfer, Jimmy claimed tournament victories in Duluth during the 1940s and remained active well into his 70s. 

Throughout his entire amateur athletic career, Jimmy demonstrated the attributes of an outstanding all-round athlete.

Inducted into the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame, September 17, 1988