Reverend James "Jim" Milton Tilley

Rev. James “Jim” Milton Tilley of Moody went to be with his Lord, Friday morning, July 6, 2012, at the age of 67. Funeral services will be 6:00 P.M. Monday, July 9, 2012, at First Baptist Church of Moody with Dr. Tom Shelton, Rev. Max Barnett and Rev. Ronny Guess officiating. Interment will follow in Moody Cemetery under the direction of Cole Chapel, 304 Eighth Street, Moody.

Visitation will be 2 to 4 P.M. Sunday at Cole Chapel.

Rev. Tilley was born February 2, 1945, in Corpus Christi, Texas, the son of the late Milton Joseph and Francis Verdalee (Baker) Tilley. He began his education at Roy Miller High School in Corpus Christi, Texas and continued at Delmar College. He earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture education from Tarlton State University and a master’s degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. On May 25, 1968, he married Fay Croom in Stephenville, Texas.

Rev. Tilley pastored many churches in the Central Texas and Panhandle areas of Texas for over forty years. In 2007, he moved to Moody form Lancaster and was a member of First Baptist Church where he was involved in evangelism. Where ever he was, Jim enjoyed talking and sharing the Lord. He was a member of the Ranger Lion’s Club, National Rifleman’s Association and the Association of Professional Educators. He also was an avid hunter and fisherman who enjoyed vegetable gardening.

Survivors include his wife of forty-four years Fay Tilley; a son, Jim Tilley and wife Adi; two daughters, Debbie Ekpenyong and husband Uwem, Becky Vaughn and husband Eric; a brother, Ken Tilley and wife Jannett; a sister Sandra Barnett and husband Max; five grandchildren, Karis, Lydia, Sophia, Joshua, Theo; several nieces and nephews, cousins and a host of dear friends.

For those desiring the family has suggested the James Milton Tilley memorial Scholarship Fund in care of the Office of Institutional Advancement, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2001 W. Seminary Drive, Fort Worth, Texas 76115 for memorial contributions.