James Tillman

James Cleveland Tillman was born on February 10, 1939 to Willie Walter and Zannie Tillman in Metter, GA. He was the youngest of five children. He was known to family and close friends as “Jake” and to his close military family and friends as “Tillman”. He is survived by his domestic partner, Ulda Valverde (Greenfield, CA), his daughter and only child, Jan Tillman (Dallas, GA), three grandsons, Charles Tillman, Vijon Morales, D’Vante Morales, three great-grandchildren, Koemi Morales, Avamarie Morales and Movado Morales, his “Buddy” Gregory and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He joined the military in 1959, where he served proudly as a Meddac nurse, receiving many medals that included a Vietnam Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal and Combat Medical Badge.

When he retired from the military he called Seaside, CA home, he remained connected to the military through the VFW, where he held many positions, including Post Commander and Treasurer.

He gained his wings on September 25, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones.

I thought of you today,

But that is nothing new

I thought about you yesterday

And days before that too

I think of you in silence,

I often speak your name.

All I have are memories

And your picture in a frame.

Your memory is a keepsake

From which I’ll never part.

God has you in His arms,

I have you in my heart.

Poem by Dicksons

I love you “Jake”.

Your daughter, Jan, AKA “Janson”