James E. Tilden

James E. Tilden, Sr., age 89, of Chesterton, Indiana, passed away on Monday, March 10, 2025, in Chesterton, Indiana. He was born on December 17, 1935, in Gary, Indiana, to William and Margaret (Osberg) Tilden. James married Bonnie McCoole on October 5, 1957, in Porter, Indiana.In addition to his loving wife of 67 years, Bonnie Tilden, James is survived by his son, James (Tammy) Tilden, Jr. of Chesterton; daughter, Jamie (Rick) Smurdon of Chesterton; five grandchildren, Kaitlin Tilden, Nathan Tilden, Corey Tilden, Trevor Smurdon, and Brendan Smurdon; and sister, Kathy (Dick) Mills of Boston, Massachusetts. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey Tilden; sister, Marjorie Ellen Winn; and three brothers, William Gary Tilden, Paul A. Tilden, and George Edward Tilden.James graduated from Chesterton High School with the class of 1953. He co-owned and operated Tilden Enterprises from 1978, until his retirement in 1995. Throughout his life he enjoyed going to the horse track and watching the races. Following retirement, he found more opportunities to be involved in horse racing by transporting the horses to each race. In his spare time, James enjoyed going to the casino, playing cards, and most importantly enjoyed spending time with his family.Arrangements are entrusted to Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home, 517 Broadway, Chesterton, IN. A private inurnment will be held by the family in Chesterton Cemetery at a later date. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.ee-fh.com.
Cemetery
Chesterton Cemetery
300 E. Porter Ave
Chesterton IN 46304
US
Funeral Home
Chesterton Chapel
517 Broadway
Chesterton IN - 46304
US
(219) 926-1330
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