James Alan (Jim) Hiltz, age 67 of Andover, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 10,
2020 at Saint Anthony Care Center.
Jim was born on November 22, 1952 in Anoka to Jack Roberton and Jean Elizabeth Hiltz. He
grew up in Anoka and was active in Boy Scouts, wrestling and managing the high school football
team. He graduated from Anoka High School in 1971 and then attended the University of
Minnesota to study architecture graduating in 1979 with a Bachelor's degree in environmental
design. Jim fell in love and married his wife Cynthia (Cindy) Amundsen on August 2, 1975. They
welcomed two children a son, Douglas James (Doug) Hiltz in 1981, and daughter, Terri Ann
(Hiltz) Drake in 1984. They raised both children in their home in Andover that Jim designed and
built.
In his professional life Jim and his wife Cindy owned and operated a successful small
architecture business, Graphic Design in Anoka. He later went on to work for the Anoka
Hennepin School District #11 where he retired early in2002 following a diagnosis of Multiple
Sclerosis that made it difficult for him to continue working. Jim was a strong, dedicated and
determined person, He never gave up to and was always determined to get a job done or solve
a problem in both his personal and professional life. Jim made sure this was value he passed on
to both his Children, encouraging and supporting them throughout his life.
Jim loved the outdoors and had many hobbies. He enjoyed spending time with family at the
cabin on Gull Lake boating, water skiing, jet skiing and snowmobiling in the winter. He also
enjoyed hunting and Canadian fishing trips with his lifelong friend Lance Gilbertson, Father Jack
Hiltz, Brother Jeff Hiltz and son Doug Hiltz. Jim also loved classic cars restoring a 1929 Ford
Model A and started a restoration on a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro he was not able to finish before
is health deteriorated.
Jim's friends and family always knew they could count on him for a favor or helping hand,
especially when it came to construction or anything mechanical.
Jim is survived by his wife, Cindy: Son, Doug Hiltz and Daughter in Law Ashley Hiltz of Ramsey,
MN; Daughter, Terri Drake and Son in Law Chris Drake of Andover, MN: Mother, Jean Hiltz of
Anoka: Grandchildren, Adrianna, Ava, Jillian and Mason: Brothers Jeff Hiltz of Belle Plaine, MN,
Tim Hiltz of Andover, MN and Tom Hiltz of Anoka, MN along with countless Nieces, Nephews
and friends.
He is proceeded in death by his father Jack Hiltz.
A celebration of life service will be held in Anoka on Thursday followed by a graveside service
for immediate family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American
Diabetes Association or the Multiple Sclerosis Society in Jim's memory.