INA -James Lon "Lonnie" Hill, 66, died at 7:05 a. m. Friday, July 12, 2013, at his home. Mr. Hill was born July 3, 1947, in Benton, the son of James V. Hill and Priscilla "Moni" (Miller) Hill. Lonnie worked at Mount Vernon for Tri-County Electric as a journeyman lineman for many years before opening his own automotive business, Classic Performance. He was a member of the IBEW Local 702 and was of the Baptist faith. Lonnie served four years in the U.S. Air Force as a helicopter mechanic and was also part of a rescue chopper outfit nicknamed "Pedro" during the Vietnam War. He studied automotive technology at Vocational Technical Institute at SIU Carbondale. He was an avid fisherman, boat and car enthusiast. He worked on a NASCAR Busch Series and Craftsman Truck Series Race Team. Wayman Harlan summed up Lonnie's life by saying "He was a poor man's best friend" and will be sadly missed by all. Survivors include his twin siblings, Bradley Hill of West Frankfort, and Kristin Hill (Mike) Neff of Florida; a son, James Lon Hill of Georgia; a niece, Lauren Monachella of Florida; and his significant other, Donna Simpkins of Ina. Donna brought much happiness into our brother's life and was by his side when he passed away. Mr. Hill was preceded in death by his parents. Services will be at 4 p. m. Saturday, July 27, in Hobbs-Johnson Funeral Home and Crematory in Benton, with Brother Dale Burzynski officiating. Military honors will be performed by Benton American Legion and VFW and Marion National Guard Honor Squad. Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p. m. Saturday, July 27, in Hobbs-Johnson Funeral Home and Crematory in Benton. Memorials may be made to the Ina Freewill Baptist Church, 15207 East Ina Road, Ina, IL 62846 or the American Heart Association and will be accepted at the funeral home. Visit www.hobbsjohnson.com to sign the memorial guestbook. Published in The Southern Illinoisan on July 19, 2013