Chief James Ray Tilley

Chief James Ray Tilley, 62, passed away on December 19, 2025.

A service to Celebrate the Life of Chief James Tilley is planned for 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Eastlake Fellowship Church, 13218 RR 2341, Burnet, Texas. Interment will follow at Lakeland Hills Memorial Park in Burnet. Visitation is planned for 6:00 p.m., Monday, December 22, 2025, at Jenkins Funeral Home, 1209 N. Main St, Burnet, Texas.

James Ray Tilley, born in Texas City Texas on January 21st 1963 to James and Mary Tilley. He moved with his family to Burnet, Texas in the 8th grade and met the love of his life, Mary Fleshner in Marble Falls Texas in 1982. They married in July of 1984. He was a volunteer firefighter and first responder for 40 years. James was also chief of the East Lake Volunteer fire department for 30 plus years. He felt it was his honor and privilege to serve his community. When James wasn't volunteering, he loved to fish, hunt, and camp with his family. James also worked in the Propane business for many years and was loved and appreciated by many of his customers. James was baptized as a child but became an active member at East Lake Fellowship in 2005. He became a deacon in 2009. James was an adoring husband, loving father, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be greatly missed.

Survived by his wife of 41 years, Mary Tilley, 2 daughters and spouses: Jaimie & John Beaty, Julie & Angel Bueno; grandsons: Jude & James; brothers: William, Paul, Danny, and Mike; sister: Debbie; countless nieces, nephews, and cousins.