James Tilley Obituary

James Larry Tilley, 74, of Hastings, Michigan, passed away on July 1, 2025. He was born on December 31, 1950, in Winston Salem, North Carolina, to the late James C. and Betty L. (Jessup) Tilley.
Larry attended North Stokes High School and served in the U. S. Army during the Vietnam War from 1970 to 1972. He later worked as an over-the-road truck driver, a career that he continued until his retirement in 2020.
Larry aka "Papa" had a firm trust in Jesus, the Christ his Lord and Savior. As a believer, though he is absent from the body, he is present with the Lord. 2 Cor. 5. Where the joy is unspeakable and full of glory. I will lift up my eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help. My help comes from the Lord which made heaven and earth. Psalm 121.
Papa was like a walking encyclopedia and was often sought for his ability to troubleshoot when things were not working right. He ambivalently would see something that needed "tinkering". And tinker he would until his standard was met. I dare say he would have taught MacGyver a thing or two.
He loved to tell stories of things he'd seen or experienced. Nothing like a stick of dynamite, a sledgehammer, a roll of duct tape, or a can of ether to hold the audience's attention. Whether he was under the hood, the sink, or electrical box he found time to teach those around him. Even when the lesson involved a teary eye you knew he loved you with all his heart because he freely gave it in everything he did.
It's hard to imagine going on without the ability to talk through a problem with you or listen to you explain in every detail how one part is connected to another and causes the chain reaction. One thing is for sure you left behind a legacy and shoes that are so large no one person could fill.
We know how much you missed those who went before you. He was proceeded in death by his parents; brothers Jerry (Bonnie) Tilley and Michael G. Tilley, sister Debra Spillman, and his daughter and son-in-law Angela and Robert Scofield for whom he had the privilege of being guardian for their daughter Bella.
Those of us left behind will miss you greatly. Papa is survived by his wife, Sharon Tilley; his daughters Shannon (Jason) Bragiel of Spokane, WA and Bonnie (Mark) Ransome of Lansing, MI; brother Timothy (Betty) Tilley Pilot, NC; sisters Cindy (Jeff) Moody, Raliegh, NC and Renee (Butch) Robertson, Raliegh, NC; seven grandchildren: Matthew Tilley Zimmerman, Rebekah Scofield, Kaylee Glew, Jonathon Lethcoe, Donovan Bragiel, Bella Scofield and Makenzie Ransome; and two great-grandchildren: Adora and Hadley.
In accordance with Larry's wishes, no services will be held.
Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to Corewell Health Hospice at https://give.corewellhealth.org/hospice-donation, or by mail to Corewell Health Foundation of West Michigan, 100 Michigan St. E, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. Condolences may be shared online at www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.
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