James A. Tilley

James A. Tilley, 74, of Greencastle and formerly of Brazil, passed away at his home on Sunday, Dec. 1, surrounded by family, following a lengthy illness.

Jim was born on June 21, 1945, in Brazil, the son of Cecil and Kathryn (Joyner) Tilley.

He graduated from Brazil High School with the class of 1963.

Following high school he began working with Joe Loughmiller at the VC Chemical plant. Jim would attribute his beginnings in agribusiness to his time at VC, which was ultimately absorbed by Mobile Chemical. Jim continued his career working at various agribusiness companies as an account manager. He retired in 1999 from IMC.

Jim’s memberships and social involvements included Fillmore Volunteer Fire Department and the Bainbridge Fire Department, Clay County Jaycees, Past President of the National Fertilizer and Solutions Club, served on the board of directors for the Plant Food and Chemical Association and First Christian Church in Brazil.

He began his involvement with the Elks in Brazil and later transferred his membership to the Greencastle lodge, where he received his 50-year membership in April 2017.

Jim was an avid golfer. He began golfing at the age of 12. This passion continued over his lifetime. He achieved two holes-in-one at the Brazil Golf Course and he was known for saying “friendships and deals were often made at the golf course.”

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Kathryn Tilley; his stepmother, Bertha Loughmiller Knoll Tilley; a brother, Dennis Tilley, a stepsister, Janet Sue Guth; and a son-in-law, Tony Vester.

Survivors include his wife Wanda (Pell) Tilley, whom he married on Feb. 28, 1964; two daughters, Kim Vester and Keri Tilley; grandchildren Chelsea Whittington and Thad Whittington; nephews Ryan Tilley and Jamie Tilley; sister-in-law Deborah Thompson Tilley; and stepbrother Herman Knoll.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. French Funeral Home in Brazil has been entrusted with his care.

Visit www.frenchfuneralhome.com to light a candle in his memory.