James Russell Hillard – Colonel, United States Army

From a contemporary press report:

James Russell Hillard, 84, an Army colonel who retired as military executive officer of the office of the assistant secretary of defense for civil rights, died June 8, 2001, at Charlotte Hall (Maryland) Veterans Nursing Home. He had Alzheimer's disease. He was a former resident of Washington.

Colonel Hillard served as an intelligence and armored infantry officer in Europe during World War II and as a battalion commander in Germany after the war. He taught military science at Wilberforce (Ohio) University, where he had earned his bachelor's degree, and at Howard University.

He also served in Vietnam and as chief of the publications division of the Army's office of military history.

Colonel Hillard was born in Kentucky and raised in the Cincinnati area. He did graduate work in military science at Fordham University in New York.

His honors included a Legion of Merit, a Joint Services Commendation Medal and two Army Commendation Medals.

He was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi social fraternity and Rocks Inc., an organization that works to mentor young army officers.

His marriage to Virginia Parks ended in divorce.

Survivors include his companion, Eva Nash of Washington.


HILLARD, JAMES R., COL, US Army (Ret.)

On Friday, June 8, 2001. Cousin of Elizabeth Stokes and George Alexander. He is also survived by a devoted friend, Eva Nash; other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, July 10, 2001 at the Old Post Chapel, Fort Myer, VA. Interment Arlington National Cemetery. Contributions in his memory may be sent ot the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center, 1350 Brush Rd., PO Box 578, Wilberforce, OH 46384, Attn: Floyd Thomas, Director.

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