Jimmy Dale Hillberg

August 25, 1939 -February 26, 2026

Jim passed away at age 86, hours after celebrating his 41st anniversary with his wife Karla. He was born to Clara and Robert Hillberg. He grew up in Tacoma, graduated from Lincoln High School in 1959. He spent the rest of his life in the Edgewood area.

Jim was a talented Dental Technician for 58 years, working at several laboratories in the area. He dedicated his time to his community as an Edgewood Volunteer Firefighter for 37 years. He was a member of the Paul Bunyan Rifle and Sportsman’s Club for over 50 years serving as a board member and range officer. He was an active member of the Mountain Man Rendezvous community, and a founding member of the Paul Bunyan Plainsmen Memorial Day Rendezvous. Jim was an avid hunter and fisherman. He fished all over the country, especially Alaska, where he spent many summers fishing with his sons Pat, Mike, Eric, wife Karla, grandchildren and friends. He shared his passion for hunting and fishing by mentoring anyone who was interested.

Jim loved his 5 sons, Patrick Hillberg, Mike Hillberg (deceased), Eric Hillberg-Sanford, Jack Knight Jr and Jeffrey Knight (Jennifer); grandchildren, Jaimie Hillberg, Kevin Hillberg, Janice Tailua, Jacob (Logan), Jeremy, Sidney, Jack III, Taylor and Opal Knight, Adam (Linley), and Stefan Schmidt; Brother-in-law, Steve (Mary) Staley and 9 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He loved them all! He was preceded in death by his parents and son Mike (Lisa); siblings; Kenneth, Shirley, Darlene, William Hillberg, and grandson, Nick.

We will be celebrating Jim’s life and sharing fond memories of him at the Paul Bunyan Rifle and Sportsman’s Club (17902 Meridian E, South Hill, Washington 98375) on March 22, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.