James Hilton

James Hilton was born on July 4, 1939 in Kingsport, Tennessee, the son of the late Henry Hennings and Virgie Mae Rutherford Hilton.

On August 12, 1961, he was united in marriage to Yvetta Whitaker, who survives.

Mr. Hilton honorably served his country in the United States Navy from June of 1957 until January 12, 1959 and the United States Air Force from January 12, 1959 until August 5, 1963. He later went to work for Aladdin Industries in Nashville, Tennessee, TCAT in Crump, Tennessee as a teacher and instructor, before becoming a machinest at PCA in Counce, Tennessee, where he worked until his retirement. James enjoyed working with his machine shop at home and loved sports of all kinds. However, his favorite sport to watch and play was always tennis. Mr. Hilton was a member of Woodmen of the World and First Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

James Hilton departed this life on Monday, January 12, 2026 in Savannah, Tennessee, at the age of 86 years, 6 months, and 8 days.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Yvetta Hilton of Savannah, Tennessee; daughter, Carla Bennett of Lebanon, Tennessee; sisters, Shirley Newman, Nancy Sue Riner, and Patricia Slaughter, all of Kingsport, Tennessee; and granddaughters, Allie Jayne Bennett and Anna Mai Bennett.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his brother, William Henry Hilton and sisters, Margie Ruth Hilton, Ruby Nell Kilgore, and Judy Hilton.