Welcome to the memorial page for
James E. Hilton, Jr.
October 19, 1937 ~ September 21, 2017 (age 79) 79 Years Old Light a Candle
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A candle was lit by Jenn Hilton
on October 3, 2017 5:15 AM
A candle was lit by David Geiger, Standard Plant Manager, '85-'95
on October 2, 2017 8:37 AM
I worked alongside Jimmy Hilton at the Torrington Company for 30 years where he was one of our most skilled employeees. He was an expert in deep drawing needle bearing shells from flat rolled steel, an industry that made the Naugatuck Valley pretty well known in American industry.
He was one of the very best eyelet press setters and could have gotten a great job anywhere up and down this valley, known for its deep drawing skills. But he loved Torrington, loved his co-workers, and had earned the respect of all who worked there.
He was highly skilled, but never boasted, and when others couldn't get their big eyelet presses to produce the very tight tolerances required, they would ask Jim Hilton for help. He never turned anyone down, "I'll be right over", he'd say.
The company recognized his unique skills and promoted him to be an Eyelet Machinist & Toolmaker, and paid him the higher wages equivalent to the skilled trades workforce.
Some presses were as big as a school bus, with 12 progressive stations mechanically moving the parts to the next station, drawing the parts ever deeper and closer to final size. He could adjust them all like a master mechanic, and regrind the tools himself to make a more perfect part.
All the while, often under pressure, he was friendly and willing to help others. We all lost a really good man, when Jimmy Hilton died. His company, and his co-workers lost a really good friend. We all tip our hat to him and wish him God speed.
I worked alongside Jimmy Hilton at the Torrington Company for 30 years where he was one of our most skilled employeees. He was an expert in deep drawing needle bearing shells from flat rolled steel, an industry that made the Naugatuck Valley pretty well known in American industry.
He was one of the very best eyelet press setters and could have gotten a great job anywhere up and down this valley, known for its deep drawing skills. But he loved Torrington, loved his co-workers, and had earned the respect of all who worked there.
He was highly skilled, but never boasted, and when others couldn't get their big eyelet presses to produce the very tight tolerances required, they would ask Jim Hilton for help. He never turned anyone down, "I'll be right over", he'd say.
The company recognized his unique skills and promoted him to be an Eyelet Machinist & Toolmaker, and paid him the higher wages equivalent to the skilled trades workforce.
Some presses were as big as a school bus, with 12 progressive stations mechanically moving the parts to the next station, drawing the parts ever deeper and closer to final size. He could adjust them all like a master mechanic, and regrind the tools himself to make a more perfect part.
All the while, often under pressure, he was friendly and willing to help others. We all lost a really good man, when Jimmy Hilton died. His company, and his co-workers lost a really good friend. We all tip our hat to him and wish him God speed.
Message from Jenn and Mark Hilton
October 12, 2017 9:01 PM
Thank you so much for your kind words he was a wonderful man. So many people will miss him. He gave his life to the lording earth, and I'm sure he will do the same in heaven.
Message from lauren chapman
October 2, 2017 8:19 AM
Susie.....I am very sorry to hear about losing your dad. Remember all the good memories and share with others. Lean on those around you for comfort.
Lauren
Lauren
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