Jack Hillman

Jack Hillman, aged 79, raced into the arms of his Lord on April 8, 2016, after a brief illness. Jack was born November 1, 1936 in Manhattan, KS. Jack earned his BFA degree in Industrial Design, minoring in Commercial Art, from the University of KS. He worked in his chosen field for over 40 years, designing for and managing Creative Design departments of several major firms; and establishing his own design consulting firm, Hillman Design Consortium. Jack was known for his innovative design solutions, born from his keen skills of observation. He created countless product designs for such corporations as Samsonite, Gerry Products, and Case Logic. He served on several professional committees, including the Color Marketing Group and as President of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the IDSA of America. Jack's work won several prestigious awards within the design community, including Excellence of Design, Industrial Design and Design of Distinction, Great Britain Council of Design. Jack taught at the undergraduate level for many years: University of Colorado (Boulder), Colorado Institute of Art (Denver) and Columbus (Ohio) College of Art and Design. He was a gifted instructor, sharing with his students his passion for design beauty and his extensive practical experience and knowledge. Jack was chosen by the student body as Teacher of the Year. He fostered life-long relationships with many of his students, befriending and mentoring many of them. In recent years, Jack turned his passion for art, nature, beauty and God to creating lyrical kinetic metal sculptures. With these modern sculptures, he highlighted the interplay between form and nature; bending and molding steel to create fluid lines of expressivity. His years spent creating beautiful functional design allowed Jack's art to flow. Jack's sculptures have been showcased in multiple juried exhibitions, galleries and permanent installations throughout Michigan and the United States. Jack was an avid explorer, always searching out new experiences and opportunities to learn. He embraced a passion for anything fast; racing go-carts nationally, skiing the mountains of Colorado, mountain biking in Utah. He traveled to major cities and regions throughout the world. He cherished his time, trips, and walks along the west Michigan lakeshore. He enjoyed the friends and communities he came to know and love here in Grand Rapids and along the lakeshore. Most important to Jack was people; he created lasting relationships wherever he went. Jack loved his Lord and God's gift of family. His wife, Cheryl, brought him the fullest years of his life. He was extremely proud of his three children: Deanne (Jerry) Wikler; Neal (Melanie) Hillman; Shari (Dan) Lafferty; 11 grandchildren; 1 great-granddaughter. He was a strong friend to his brother Dan (Sue) Hillman. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Geraldine Hillman; brother, Robert Hillman; great-granddaughter Audrey Grace. Ultimately, Jack's greatest love was his Lord. He spent a lifetime following hard after Him. A celebration of Jack's life will be held Thursday, April 21st at Keystone Community Church, 655 Spaulding Ave. SE, Ada from 5-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Ada Arts Council, Jack Hillman Sculpture Fund, PO Box 553, Ada, MI 49301, established by the Ada Arts Council to acquire and erect one of Jack's works in planned public park space in the Village of Ada. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Jack Hillman please visit our Sympathy Store.