James Tillett

1929 - 2012

James Edward Tillett, 82, passed away on May 3, 2012, in Van Alstyne, Texas.

He was born in Van Alstyne, on May 16, 1929, to Clarence and Myrtle Geer Tillett. He married Rachel Clayton, his wife of 61 years, on October 20, 1950, at Boulevard Christian Church in Fort Worth.

James graduated from Howe High School in 1947. He played football for the Howe Bulldogs, while some of his brothers played for an opposing team at Van Alstyne. As a standout player, he was honored as a member of the 1900-1999 All-Century Howe Bulldog Football Team. In 1956, James and Rachel began their life's work, owning and operating the family business in Van Alstyne, Tillett Grocery. He was the butcher at "the store" until his retirement. James was a loyal football fan of the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Longhorns, TCU Horned Frogs, Van Alstyne Panthers, and Howe Bulldogs. During football season, James could be found watching his children and then grandchildren perform as members of the football team, band, or cheerleading squad. He enjoyed hunting deer in Colorado, playing golf, gardening with his brother Billy, and watching western movies featuring John Wayne or Gene Autry.

James is survived by his wife, Rachel; five children, Michael Tillett and wife Lori of Van Alstyne, Sheri Stephens and husband Wendell of Van Alstyne, Gina Sartain and husband Mark of Harleton, Scott Tillett and wife Kim of Van Alstyne, and Melanie Fountaine and husband Rick of Howe; 12 grandchildren, Heather Stephens, Wade Stephens, Jeremy Tillett, Marshall Sartain, Megan Tillett Hodges, Melody Sartain Ojeda, Ryan Tillett, Jess Tillett, Chad Fountaine, Clayton Tillett, Lauren Tillett, and Chase Fountaine; three great-grandchildren, Jillian Sartain, Hannah Sartain, and Piper Ojeda; siblings, Jenny Wise of Van Alstyne, Juanita Boatright and husband Emmett of Sherman, Wayne Tillett of Fort Worth, Jerry Tillett and wife Kay of Caddo Mills, and Jo Ann Marr of Gordonville; sister-in-law, Maurine Tillett of Whitewright; and life-long friends, Carl and Ann Climer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Pauline Gentry, and brothers, Clarence Tillett Jr., Robert Tillett, and Billy Tillett.

The family would like to extend a warm thank you to those who cared for him including Teresa and Kallie McClain, Emily Cross, and the staff at Meadowbrook Care Center and Hospice Plus.

Visitation will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 4 at Scoggins Funeral Home in Van Alstyne. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 5, at Scoggins Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Gary Gibbs officiating. Burial will follow at Van Alstyne Cemetery. The grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Memorial donations can be made to First Christian Church of Van Alstyne.

You may sign the online guest book at www.scogginsfuneralhome.com.