We are deeply saddened by the death of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, Jim Tilbury, who lost his courageous battle with stomach cancer on March 29. Jim died peacefully at home with his family after a difficult journey; a journey he accepted with strength and peace, knowing his Lord was waiting for him. He was a wonderful example to his family and friends, and we are very proud of him.
Jim was born in Mt Vernon, Wash., in 1938, the youngest child of Percy and Adena Tilbury. He grew up in West Seattle graduating from West Seattle High School in 1956. Jim attended the U of W where he entered the ROTC program, and was a member of Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity.
Jim married Judy Lanctot in 1960, and graduated in 1961 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He and Judy then moved to Chandler, Ariz. where he began pilot training at Williams Air Force Base. Upon completion Jim flew the B-52 for the USAF Strategic Air Command. During this period he spent many days and nights on alert, ready to take off during the Cuban Missile Crisis. In 1962 Jim was sent to Beale AFB, California where he completed his time in the service. Jim and Judy had four children during these military years.
From Beale they moved their family back home to Washington State and settled in beautiful Edmonds, where they have lived for 40 years. Jim then worked for Boeing as a flight test engineer and test production pilot, flying the 707 and 727. He was recalled to military service during the Pueblo Crisis and was stationed at McChord AFB where he flew C-124's into Vietnam. Following his military service he was employed by Western Airlines. In 1996 Jim ended his flying career with Delta Airlines and put away his captain wings.
Jim loved hunting, fishing and the great outdoors. The times spent with his sons and buddies either in a duck blind, fishing boat, or tromping through the woods looking for deer and wild turkey were very special to him. He and Judy enjoyed many memorable trips, especially one to Cabo San Lucas where he caught a 330 lb marlin. Whether he was flying or playing, Jim always looked forward to returning home to be with his wife, and seeing his daughter, sons, and their families. He also looked forward to the many dinners with close friends; filled with lots of great food, conversation, and laughter. He could often be seen walking his Golden Retriever, Maggie, down at the Edmonds beach and throughout his neighborhood. Jim was a good hearted, decent, and honorable man who will be truly missed.
We would like to extend a very heartfelt thank you for the prayers and support of our dear family and friends, and for the wonderful care given to Jim by the staff at Swedish Medical Center and Tumor Institute. Pastor Mark, Dr. Louie, Dr. Gold, Alice, and Tyree, a very special thank you!
Jim leaves behind his loving wife and best friend Judy, and his four children, Dave Tilbury, Mike (Laurine) Tilbury, Jan (Tom) Langton, and Jeff (Becky) Tilbury. He also leaves 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, his brother, Richard (Marilyn) Tilbury and sister, Marilyn (Frank) Mace and many relatives and friends. Arrangements are through Beck's Funeral Home. The service will be at Trinity Lutheran Church, 6215 196th SW, April 14 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be prior to the service at the Edmonds Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Swedish Cancer Institute c/o Dr. R. Gold or St Jude's Children's Hospital. PO Box 50, Memphis, Tenn., 38108-9929.
