James Tilly 05/29/2020

James Joseph Tilly, age 87 of New Richmond, WI died on Friday, May 29, 2020 at Westfields Hospital in New Richmond, WI due to a chronic health condition. Jim was born the son of Felix and Emily Tilly on June 4, 1932. He graduated from Fond du Lac High School and continued his education at UW-River Falls, where he met his wife, Donna Sammons. On June 25, 1955, they were married at Gethsemane Episcopal Church in Minneapolis, MN. He was stationed in Ft. Smith, Arkansas while serving in the Army and after completing his service, he and Donna moved to Minneapolis, where Jim began his career as a teacher. He taught in Minneapolis, MN, Osseo, WI and New Richmond, WI. They move to New Richmond in 1966, where they raised their family. Jim retired from the New Richmond School District in 1990. Jim and Donna moved to The Deerfield 6 years ago, where they flourished amongst friends and the wonderful community created by the staff there. Jim gave the gifts of music, poetry and humor to his family and friends. He loved to sing and play guitar. He was known for his infectious smile, wit, and great laugh. He was a renowned storyteller who loved being a grandfather and great grandfather. Jim had an incredible memory and made connections with people everywhere he went. He is preceded in death by his parents, Felix and Emily Tilly. He is survived by his wife of almost 66 years, Donna Tilly; daughters, Linda (Jon) Aton and Christine (Scott Belisle) Tilly; grandchildren, Carisa (Jeremy) Fisk, Courtney (Andy) Nicolai, Noah Aton, Luke Aton, Adam (Laura) Shilts, Allison (Justin Troup) Shilts, Torey Shilts; great-grandchildren, Maci and Miles Fisk, Leo and Oliver Nicolai, Lydia, Gavin and Talen Shilts, Ava, Elaina and Jared Myers, and Jaxtin Troup; sister, Lois Howard; and many other relatives and friends. A Private Memorial Service was held on Thursday, June 4, 2020 at 11 am at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services 728 S Knowles Avenue New Richmond, WI with private visitation from 10-11 am. Interment was in Immaculate Conception Cemetery in New Richmond. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.

To watch Jim’s recorded service click the following link:  click here to watch the recorded service