James (Jim) Burt Hilton, 83, of Rapid City, SD passed away on October 23, 2021 at the Monument Health Hospital, in Rapid City, SD.

Jim was born in Rapid City, SD on July 21, 1938 to Erma (Haack) and Orin Hilton. He grew up in a large family with 4 sisters and 5 brothers. Jim was born blind with cataracts on both eyes. At the age of 13; he had an operation on one of his eyes. This was the first time he could see his mother, distinguish color and watch TV. Later that fall they performed the other eye operation, but that one was not successful. Jim still got to enjoy life with his limited vision. Jim married his beloved wife Betty Bartram on April 12, 1973 in Missouri. Jim and Betty shared that special day of July 21 because that was her birthday also, but the year of 1941. On July 12 1976, Jim adopted his wife’s three children; Roanne, Leslie and Melinda a month before she passed to be with the Lord on August 31,1976. He raised them in Hill City, SD. Jim worked at the Hili City Sawmill for several years. He learned many trades which allowed him to provide for his family. He had different jobs throughout his life. He taught his kids to work hard in life. He would always tell us \"don’t come in the house without grabbing some wood on our way in.“ His favorite hobbies were to go fishing with family and friends, try to cheat at cards, listen to music, and watch wrestling. (Did I mention watching wrestling?) He loved anything bald eagles. He loved to complain about his food. He knew sign language, when he snapped his finger and pointed, you knew every word not spoken. Survivors include two daughters Roanne Baak of Minneapolis MN, and Melinda Clary(Cody Smith) of Kerrville TX, daughter-in-law Kim Hilton of Custer SD, three Grandsons Dennis (Amy) Baak of MN, Steven (Caroline) Clary of TX and Brandon (Katie) Hilton of SD; three granddaughters Kristen Clary(Kenny Pagel) of TX, Ashley(Wayne) Hilton of ND, and Megan Clary of CO, 7 great grandchildren; Alex James Baak of MN, Leo James Baak of MN, Landon James Clary TX, Olivia Ruth Clary of TX, Grifton Alexander Pagel of TX, Daxton Tobias Pagel of TX, Declan Marek Pagel of TX, brother Robert(Benita) Hilton and sisters Donna Morris and Beverly Carter, sister-in-law Lois Hilton, nieces and nephews and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents Orin and Erma Hilton, his wife Betty Hilton. and his son Leslie Hilton, his granddaughter Desirae Baak, and 2 brothers. 2 sisters and 3 half-brothers.

Dad: Your love, your sense of humor will live on inside us forever. You have given us life lessons that will be gifts that last a lifetime. Goodbye, Dad. You will always live on in our hearts.

Visitation will be on Friday November 5, 2021 between 5:00pm.-7:00pm. at Behrens-Wilson Funeral Home. Funeral services for Jim will be on Saturday November 6, 2021 at 11:00am. at Behrens-Wilson Funeral Home. Following a reception at On Common Grounds next door. Jim will be laid to rest at the Hill City, SD Cemetery, following reception.