Individual Details

Obituary of James Thomas Tilson

May 26, 1932 - Feb. 11, 2011

James Thomas Tilson, 77, of Nokomis, formerly of Marion, Va. died Feb. 11, 2011.

Survivors include Bebe Boyd, his wife of 55 years; daughter Tracie Welch of Connecticut; and son James III of Sarasota.

Joshua Stewart, Drew Tilson, and Morgan Tilson are his grandchildren. Jayton, J.J., and Ryder Stewart are his great-grandchildren. Teresa Tilson, Larry Welch, and Michele Stewart are much loved spouses.

Tom's achievements are many. He graduated from Lees McRee College in North Carolina. He enlisted in the Navy and trained as a Marine jet fighter pilot. After four years of active duty, he accepted 25 years of leadership for the services of the American Red Cross.

While living in Lima, Ohio, Tom was offered the position of Emergency Management Director which included emergency response planning, formulating the 911 services, hazardous waste spill disasters, and evacuation of citizens. He also worked as a private contractor for Aircraft Dynamics and was active in the Rotary Club for 22 years.

Tom retired in 1998 and Nokomis, Casey Key (and the Jetty) was the setting chosen by Tom and Bebe Tilson.
Tom will be remembered for his integrity, good common sense, fairness, quick-wit, bird rescue and his humble spirit.

The family plans an "honor day" at the Jetty in early spring.

Birth	26 May 1932	Smyth County, Virginia
Marriage	7 Jul 1956	Marion, Smyth, Virginia - Jane "Bebe" Wassum Boyd
Death	11 Feb 2011	Nokomis, Sarasota, Florida

Spouse	Jane "Bebe" Wassum Boyd
Child	Jane Tracie Tilson
Child	James Thomas Tilson III