Christopher Leo "Jim" Hilgert III

Christopher L. Hilgert, III. "Jim"

He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, camping, gardening, and grilling.

In honor of Chris' final wishes there will be no formal services and any future services will be announced by his family.

Christopher Leo Hilgert, III "Jim", 69, of Columbia passed away on February 1, 2026. He was born in Columbia to the late Christopher, Jr. and Barbara Bears Hilgert and was a lifelong resident of this area.

Chris attended Columbia High School and worked with the former ITT Grinnell and Colonial Metals until his retirement. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, camping, gardening, and grilling. Chris was a loving companion, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend.

Chris leaves behind his companion of twenty-eight years Deb Moody of Columbia; Three children, Kristin, wife of Jeremy Watson of Frederick County, MD, Tammy, wife of Scott Trace of Lancaster, James, husband of Tas Murphy of Marietta; seven grandchildren, Wesley, Bradley, Britaney (Allen), James, Alyssa (John), Alexander (Rory), Andrew (Reagan); three great grandchildren, Kinsley, Brantley, and Zen; five siblings, Tim Hilgert, Christine Fausnight, Mary Hardee, Mike Hilgert, Pat Hilgert; numerous nieces and nephews; his best friend – Smitty; his canine companion Violet; many friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two siblings, Deb Lehman and Jay Hilgert.

In honor of Chris' final wishes there will be no formal services and any future services will be announced by his family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Heart Association, 4250 Crums Mill Rd, Harrisburg, PA 17112.