These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace…John 16:33

James Hilrey Tillman, Sr., known lovingly to his family and close friends as “Jimmy” was born on Friday, February 11, 1927 in Derby, Miss., to the union of the late Julia Hart Tillman and George Tillman, Sr. He was the fourth child of fourteen children; nine of them preceded him in death: Jeff D. Tillman, Gladys Tillman Nixon, Thomas R. Tillman, Howard Tillman, Hazel Tillman Cryer, Frank Tillman, Myrtis Tillman Bonner, Alonzo Tillman, and Itta Tillman Beater.

James was baptized at the age of ten at Hart’s Chapel Baptist Church by his grandfather, the late Rev. Jeff Hart. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, studied the Word of God and attended church whenever he was able. James attended Hart’s Chapel Elementary School and although he was a very smart and intelligent man, he never attended high school.

James departed this life in his sleep on Wednesday, June 5, 2013.

James leaves to cherish his memory: his seven children, Barbara Phillips, Brenda White, Donna Brown, James Michael Tillman, Gwendolyn Jordan, Dorothy Travis, and Veronica Tillman; one adopted son, Vincent R. Tillman, Sr.; four loving siblings, Odessa Burns, Queen E. Ewing, Jimmy D. Tillman and the Rev. George R. Tillman, Jr.; two brothers-in-law, Teddy Nixon and Frank Beater; one sister-in-law, Betty Tillman; 32 grandchildren; 57 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; a host of loving nieces and nephews; numerous friends; and his most favorite companion, his dog Ivory, a Jack Russell Terrier.

Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 15, 2013 at Harts Chapel Baptist Church. Interment will be in the Harts Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until service time. Repast will be held at Harts Chapel Baptist Church.

Entrusted to Brown’s Funeral Home (601)798-4469. brownsfuneralhome@ymail.com.