Jimmy Hillman

(From Daniel Funeral Home)

James “Jimmy” Andrew Hillman, age 47, of Lamar, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack on Friday, August 21, 2026.

Jimmy was born July 14, 1979, in Joplin, Missouri, to James C. Hillman and Margaret “Peggy” Helen (O’Sullivan) Hillman. He graduated from Lamar High School in the class of 1998 and continued his education at Missouri Southern State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Education. He later earned his Master of Education from Pittsburg State University. Jimmy’s lifelong love of learning never faded. He enjoyed studying history and current events and was always ready for a spirited debate. He welcomed different ideas and opinions into the conversation, even when he passionately disagreed, because for Jimmy, a good argument was simply another way of connecting with people.

Jimmy’s passion for education and athletics shaped much of his life. He worked as a physical education teacher at Bronaugh, Golden City, and Ballard and was especially proud of his years as a coach. He coached a variety of sports, including basketball, volleyball, baseball, and youth football. His competitive nature and love of the game were evident to everyone who knew him, but the scoreboard was never what mattered most. Jimmy believed sports were a way to teach young people important lessons that would stay with them throughout life—discipline, resilience, teamwork, and heart.

Jimmy loved to work and took great pride in everything he did. Following his years in education, he used his experience and compassion to work as a caseworker for the Department of Social Services, where he helped people facing some of life’s most difficult challenges. Most recently, he was working for Next Generation Ag in Greenfield, Missouri, helping develop and grow new and innovative agricultural products. He approached each of his careers with the same energy, dedication, and enthusiasm that he brought to the classroom, gym, and ball field.

A devoted fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Cardinals, Jimmy never lost his competitive spirit. Yet, beneath that competitive nature was a man whose greatest guiding principle was his love for his family. Above all else, Jimmy cherished his two sons, Andrew and J.P. Some of his proudest memories were the years he spent coaching his own children, especially in youth football, where being “Coach” and being “Dad” became one and the same.

Jimmy is survived by his two sons, Andrew James Hillman and his fiancée, Molly Ledbetter, of Pittsburg, Kansas, and James Perry “J.P.” Hillman of Mills, Wyoming; his father and stepmother, James “Jim” and Martha Hillman of Lamar; three sisters, Abby (John) Gilkey and Jenny (Jeff) Tucker, both of Lamar, and Kathleen (Matt) Van Becelaere of Prairie Village, Kansas; stepbrother, Joe (Mindie) Starks of Carl Junction, Missouri; and stepsister, Jesse (Josh) McGinnis of Show Low, Arizona. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will miss him dearly.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Peggy Hillman. Jimmy was one of God’s greatest blessings to her, and she cherished him beyond words. The love they shared remained one of the most treasured parts of her heart.

Jimmy leaves behind a legacy of love for his family, dedication to his students and athletes, and a willingness to stand up for those who needed someone in their corner. He will be remembered not only as a teacher, coach, father, and son, but as someone who believed in people and never hesitated to champion the underdog.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 28, 2026, at the First Baptist Church of Lamar. A private family burial will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hillman Education Fund in care of Daniel Funeral Home. Contributions may be mailed to Daniel Funeral Home, 1201 Broadway St., Lamar, MO 64759. For those wishing to make a contribution by credit card, payments may also be made by calling Daniel Funeral Home at 417-682-5518.

Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com.