James (Jim) V. Tilley of Forest City, NC went to be with the Lord Wednesday, May 22, 2019. A native of Yancey County, he was born May 24, 1927 to the late Roy E. and Dora Sparks Tilley. He graduated from Clearmont High School in 1944. He was a WWII veteran serving in the European Theater. He lived during the years that were called "the greatest generation". He retired from the (Clinchfield) CSX Railroad with 42 years of service. He was preceded in death by his wife of almost 65 years Dot and sister, Joyce Tilley Fox.

After retirement Dot and Jim enjoyed going camping and to the beach, and especially going on bus tours throughout the US and Canada. Both were members of First Baptist Church of Forest City.

He is survived by two sons, Gregory and wife Rhonda of Mooresville and Rodney of Spindale and eight grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 25, 2019 at 4PM at Crowe's Mortuary in Rutherfordton with Dr. Tony Spencer and Mrs. Dianne Nelson officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Rutherford County Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 3PM to 4PM prior to the service at the Mortuary. Interment will be held Sunday, May 26, 2019 at 2PM at Fairview Cemetery in Yancey County.

Online condolences at crowemortuary.com

Crowe's Mortuary is assisting the Tilley family.