CBA Loses Longtime Business and Marketing Leader

There’s no way to track how many colleagues Professor Emeritus James Rogers Hill supported and mentored in 33 years as Cal Poly Pomona faculty. It’s safe to say thousands of business and marketing students listened to one of his lectures – even more were influenced by his knack for engaging curriculum plans.

Hill’s tenure at the College of Business Administration began in 1967, the same year Thurgood Marshall became the first black Supreme Court Nominee. Retirement arrived shortly after the Y2K apocalypse did not. In the middle was a collective career outstanding enough to merit induction onto The Provost’s Wall of Excellence.

"He started when the School of Business was being organized," International Business and Marketing Management Chair Juanita Roxas, Ph.D. said. "He headed our Logistics career track and developed almost all the Logistics and Transportation classes."

Friends called him Jim. In the classroom, it was Professor Hill or Dr. Hill. For some, the gesture is formality. For the students he counseled and members of the organizations he advised, it was out of respect. The same emotion driving faculty and administration to tab him Chair of the Marketing Management Department.

It’s with a deep sorrow the College of Business Administration relays the news of James Rogers Hill’s passing on Jan. 1, 2022. As instrumental as Hill was to the CBA and campus community, work was only part of his legacy. Please read the family’s obituary below:

Obituary of Jim Hill

James Rogers Hill, son of the late Myron and Charlotte Hill of Laporte, Minnesota, was born October 17, 1928, in Richmond, Indiana. He graduated from Richmond High School, continuing his higher education at DePauw University and Miami University before becoming a university professor.

Over a span of 50 years, he taught in the field of Marketing in Michigan State, ASU and Cal Poly University, Pomona, CA, serving as Department Chair. Upon his retirement from Cal Poly, he was awarded the distinction of Professor Emeritus for achieving high standards in curriculum development and faculty performance in the areas of Marketing and International Business, along with his administrative support while expanding enrollment in the School of Business.

He taught courses in both marketing and international business, and his work included participation with community businesses, student counseling and advising, and guidance and support to student organizations. He was much loved and valued by his students, colleagues, family and friends.

He served in the Marine Corps for a period of two years. He had a passion for travel and music, played his saxophone earnestly with bands in his younger years, and was an active member of the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, California, contributing years of financial support. He was especially proud of their Youth Orchestra where he directed his contributions.

His passing on New Year’s Day has left us with heavy hearts, but with many loving memories. He is survived by his beloved Wife, Mili, Son and daughter-in-law Lon Bishop/Lisa, and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Orange County Philharmonic Society, CA.

To view or leave memories of Professor Hill, please visit his Tribute Wall.