James is a native of Huntsville and sings lead in the group. His wife is Connie Kilgore Hillis. James has three children, Jacob, Jared, and Jenna.  He also has two step daughters, Bridgett and Kaitlin Young.  He and Connie attend Five Points Church of the Nazarene in Huntsville, AL.

James has had a love for music from an early age.His uncle, Lewis Haggard, was part of the Countryman Quartet for many years and his family would attend their singings when possible. From an early age you might say he was hooked on gospel music. He is a '85 graduate from Madison County High School (Gurley). In school he played various sports and has been active in church sports as well.

A life threatening brain surgery in '95 put James on his back and it was then that he prayed the Lord to guide him in a ministry. It was then that he started singing gospel music. After several years with other groups James had a vision and it was then that   "New Vision Quartet"was formed.

"God has been good to me and my family in so many ways through the years, through the ups and downs he was always there and where he leads me I will follow."

James Hillis