James Hilbrant

James Hilbrant

Orange, CA

James Thomas Hilbrant passed away suddenly on February 22, 2025. Born in Mt. Pleasant, IA on August 19, 1956 to parents Betty and Tom Hilbrant, he is survived by his wife, Chris, stepdaughter Amy (Steve), his siblings Stace Hilbrant (Lori) Anne Pohill (Tom) and Jenny Baustian. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Kennedy, Braeden, Hadley, Landen, Sydney, Gabby and Lauren.

Funeral Mass is 10 a.m. Wednesday at San Antonio Catholic Church, 5800 E. Santa Ana Canyon Rd., Anaheim Hills, CA 92807. Interment is 10 a.m. Thursday at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, 7845 E. Santiago Canyon Rd., Orange, CA 92869.

Jim graduated from Mount Pleasant high school where he was in the marching band and was class president in his senior year. He went on to graduate from the University of Iowa, and was the first in his family to graduate from college. He played trombone in the marching band, and was a part of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity at the University.

Jim was involved in insurance, commercial and reinsurance throughout his career ending in California where he met his wife, Chris. They were blessed with 36 years of marriage. He never met a stranger and was kind to all. Everyone who knew him loved him. Jim would do anything for you, always wanting to help if he could. Chris and Jim loved going to jazz concerts together and spend a lot of time in Napa Valley wine tasting. Jim loved attending the grandkids’ sports events and was happiest when he was with family. He will be missed. “Death leaves a heartache. No one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.” -Irish Proverb