James Wilson Gill III

Our beloved Jim Gill passed away at the age of 80 on March 18, 2024 in Carlsbad, California.

    Jim was born in Hemet, California, on April 9, 1943, the son of the late Myra (Small) and James W. Gill, Jr. He was raised in Hemet, along with his younger twin brothers, Dean and Dexter.  In 1961, Jim graduated from Hemet High School and met the love of his life, Gail. They were destined to be companions over 57 years of marriage enjoying their love of life, travel, their two children, and five grandchildren.

    In high school, Jim suffered a serious football injury, which bore a permanent scar and nearly cost him his leg.  At the time, was told by his high school guidance counselor he shouldn’t consider college and wouldn’t amount to much.  At this and many pivotal moments, he proved him wrong.  He was a driven man with an incredible work ethic and business acumen that served him well throughout his accomplished life. Jim attended San Diego State University earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism and business. Following college, he was employed as an advertising representative by the Orange Coast Daily Pilot, a subsidiary of the Times Mirror Company (LA Times). During the Vietnam conflict he served as a journalist in the United States Navy.

    In 1969, he returned to Hemet to work with his father at the Hemet News, succeeding him as the editor and publisher in 1983. Hemet Valley Publishing Company, a Gill family corporation, also owned and operated the San Jacinto Valley Register and Riverside County News Advertiser. He grew the family business over 20 years with such milestones as taking the Hemet News from a weekly to a daily and the first color independent newspaper, adding newspapers in Moreno Valley, San Jacinto and Sun City.  Jim was committed to delivering quality, objective journalism to the community, and remained an ardent supportive of first amendment rights. Jim served as president of the California Newspaper Publishers Association (CNPA), in addition to many years as a member of their board of directors. He was a member of the California Newspaper Advertising Executives Association and the International Newspaper Advertising and Marketing Executives. He served many local community groups including the Hemet San Jacinto YMCA, Hemet Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club, and Hemet Hospital Board of directors.  In addition, Jim was involved in the Ramona Pageant Association and was President in 1987 and 1988. 

    After selling the family publishing company, Jim and Gail retired to Carlsbad, California in 2000. In retirement, he found his passion for golfing and fishing, which he enjoyed sharing with his son, Brandon. Jim participated in many deep-sea fishing tournaments in beautiful destinations like Mexico, Brazil, and Hawaii. He also enjoyed fly fishing in places like Alaska, Oregon, and Lake Alisal. More valued and important than his accomplishments was his family.  Jim was a model husband, father, and grandfather.  He provided an amazing life for his loved ones. His fondest memories were traveling the world with Gail, spending time on family vacations, supporting his children's success, watching sports, and sharing stories with friends and family.

    Jim is survived by his wife, Gail (Haiber) Gill; daughter Andrea and Scott Snyder; son Brandon and Francesca Gill and five wonderful grandchildren Wyatt, Stephanie, Madeline, Jacqueline, and James (IV). He is also survived by his brother Dexter and Sue Gill of South Dakota.

The family will celebrate Jim’s tremendous life and legacy privately.

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