Jai Savion Hill

Family will receive friends on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. until time of service at 12:00 p.m. at City of Grace, 3350 Allegheny Avenue, Columbus, OH 43209.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those wishing to send their condolences donate on behalf of Jai Hill to the scholarship fund created for his soccer team, Club Ohio.

Jai Savion Hill was born on June 30, 2006 at Mount Carmel East in Columbus, Ohio to Shawn and Erika Hill. Born on the same day as his father, Jai was the ultimate birthday gift. He was a senior at Columbus Alternative High School where he excelled in math. He was also taking college courses at Franklin University.

Jai had a passion for food. While most kids watched cartoons, he excitedly watched the Food Network instead. An avid chef, Jai’s best dish was any sort of pasta with a cream based (likely unhealthy) sauce. Never a culinary snob, many of his dishes included ramen noodles.  A budding foodie, Jai tremendously enjoyed trying new foods and eating his favorites. He loved macaroni and cheese, of any kind. He could eat Chipotle every day of the week and his favorite sandwich was Ox-B’s infamous “Slopwich.” For dinner one night at a contemporary Italian restaurant, family members ordered pasta and pizza. Jai ordered a pasta dish with sea urchin and enjoyed his dish more than anyone else enjoyed theirs. The exception to this love of food was chocolate.

Jai worked at Dairy Queen where he was awarded employee of the month.  He would often bring home ice cream (unsolicited) to his family. He enjoyed video games, listening to music, and spending time with friends. Jai had recently purchased a car and was saving up to buy a spoiler for it. He liked to drive the long way home so he could listen to his 119 song playlist titled “For the Whip.” He listened to the playlist on full volume, turning it down just before he got close to the house.

Besides family and friends, Jai’s one true love was playing soccer. At age three, when others could barely kick the ball in the right direction, Jai’s skill and talent were immediately on display. From age five on, Jai played on recreation, school and club teams.  He played the position of left wing on both the varsity high school team and his club team, Club Ohio. He was known, by teammates and opponents, for his speed and scored numerous goals throughout his playing career.

Jai will be most beloved for who he was as a person. He was so ebullient as a toddler that the family made up and sang a song called “Jai Jai the Happy Guy.”  Known for his kindness and friendship to everyone, Jai was an incredible person to be around. His kindness was present throughout his life.  In preschool his teacher sent home a note sharing how when a classmate did not have a crayon to color, Jai broke his crayon in half so they both could color. This kindness continued with many of his high school classmates and family members who can recall countless memories of Jai's goodness. This kindness extended to his dog, Andy. Jai was the only family member that allowed Andy to sleep in his bed where he could often be found in his favorite spot on Jai’s chest.

Jai is survived by his parents Erika Miller and Shawn (Kimberly) Hill Sr.; siblings Shawn Hill Jr., Asia Livingstone, Isaih Hutchison, and Dashauna Hill; grandparents Horace (Carol) Hill, Deborah McClure, and Richard & Melissa Miller; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and nephews.

Jai’s celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 9th, a repast for family and out of town guests will follow.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jai Savion Hill, please visit our floral store.