Longtime resident John Richard (Jack) Hilton passed away November 27 in Pacific Palisades. He was 84. Born November 22, 1924 in Los Angeles, Jack lived in Beverly Hills his first 25 years. A graduate of Beverly Hills High School and USC, he served as a medic in the U.S. Army during World War II, two years of which he spent in Europe. Jack was president of the Beverly Hills Mortgage Company for 30 years. After his marriage to Laura Ann Price in 1949, the couple moved in 1952 to Pacific Palisades, where they bought land on upper Amalfi drive and built a home for less than $50,000. Everyone back in Beverly Hills thought the Hiltons were crazy, living ‘out in the country’ and having to make that long drive on Sunset Boulevard, but as the years went by, many of those same people ended up buying a house in Pacific Palisades. It proved to be a great place for kids to grow up and adults to grow old. And, if there was any celebrity envy, the Hiltons didn’t suffer. David Niven lived two houses away, Jerry Lewis lived down the street near Sunset, and Ronald Reagan would drive by on his way home from the studio. Jack also played paddle tennis at least once a week with his close friend, producer Jerry (‘Happy Days’) Paris, and several Hollywood writers. After Laura passed away in 1984 and his four children moved out (three of whom graduated from Palisades High), Jack met Betty Van Horne from Montecito. They married in 1994 and moved to the Palisades Highlands, while also maintaining a residence in Montecito. Jack was known for his sense of humor and his zest for life. With a long list of good friends, he enjoyed playing tennis at the Riviera Country Club and paddle tennis at The Beach Club. He and some pals, fellow graduates from Beverly Hills High, kept up monthly Friday night dinner and poker, a tradition that has been ongoing for over 60 years. While the stakes were low, the hijinks were robust. The group visited more than 150 fine dining spots over the years. And yes, one of Jack’s favorite dishes was the pasta at Dante’s on Swarthmore. Besides his wife Betty, Jack leaves four children, Hilary Marold (husband Charles) of Corpus Christi, Texas; Richard Hilton of Santa Monica; James Hilton of Hancock Park; and Heather Keller (husband John) of Snowmass, Colorado. Also six grandchildren, two stepdaughters, and a step-grandchild, as well as his sister, Virginia Lord. Funeral services will be private. A wake and celebration of his life will be held at The Beach Club in Santa Monica on Friday, December 19 at 11 a.m. Call (310) 395-3254 for details.
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