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Robert H. Jillson

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Robinson High School University of South Florida

Robert Jillson Obituary

JILLSON, Robert H. "Mike," 60, of Brandon, passed away unexpectedly at home Thursday, January 12, 2006, and joins his beloved parents and grand- parents for his eternal rest. Mike was born April 20, 1945, in Laurel, Miss., and moved to Tampa from New York in 1955. He is survived by his loving wife, Beverly Couch Jillson; sister, Judy Rose (David); nieces, Karen Heinberg and Kathy Chambers, and their children; sisters-in-law. Shirley Melvin (Danny), Nancy L. Couch (Jennifer), Mary Ellen King (Buzz) and Susan Cacyuk (John); and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and other sorrowing relatives and friends, including his loving cats, Annabelle and Patch. Mike graduated from Robinson High School in 1963 and attended the University of South Florida before joining Eastern Airlines in 1966. He subsequently retired in 2002 from Continental Airlines, where he was involved in marketing and sales. At the time of his death, he worked for Perry Ellis International, Inc., formerly Tropical S portswear International in sales and customer support. He was an avid gardener, collector of antiques, and a dedicated reader. Mike enjoyed his family, home, many friends and especially his persona as "MC Mike" along side his lifelong friend, Ray Collins, "DJ Ray." Mike had a passion for life and the people in it, and nothing gave him greater satisfaction than bringing a smile to anyone and everyone he met. All who loved him will dearly miss him. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mike's name to H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute or the charity of choice. The family will receive friends noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, January 18, at Marsicano-B. Marion Reed-Stowers Funeral Home, 4040 W. Henderson Blvd., Tampa, with a service immediately following the visitation. Marsicano - B. Marion Reed Stowers

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by TBO.com on Jan. 17, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Jillson

46 Entries

Audrey Tillett

February 11, 2006

Beverly,

My prayers and condolences are with you and all of Mike's family. I have had the pleasure of working with and knowing Mike since I began working in the travel industry.

Regardless of how dark and hectic a day might be, Mike would walk into the agency, and the office would be illumined with the light of his personal sunshine ~ especially the twinkle in his eye~and his wonderful jokes, some a wee bit corny. Mike had the gift to instill in each of us the ability to not take life so seriously that it would pass you by.

Mike was a wonderfully warm person and we shall all miss him, in our own way; but we shall be with him again! That is the way of the Lord.

God bless, Beverly.

Ruth Crist

February 9, 2006

I just learned today of the passing of an old and dear friend...I first met Mike when I was with Bowen Travel back in the 80's..and ran into him many times over the years in the industry thru USair and various travel agency functions. He always had a smile and a joke and will truly be missed...My prayers go out to his family...

Sheryl & Mike Justus

January 29, 2006

Beverly,

May you find comfort in this time of loss and soon find strength and happiness in your heart.

Jackie and Jim Savage

January 23, 2006

Our thought and prayers are with the family at this very sad time. Just remember what Little Ethan said

Monisa Cline

January 23, 2006

Mike always made everyone smile with his (many!) jokes and wonderful sense of humor...even in the toughest times. I will always think of him as a great friend and human being. We were lucky to have known him. Thinking of you Bev.

Doug & Mary Ann Jillson

January 22, 2006

Dear Bev and Family,

We are so sorry and know how much he will be missed. May the memories of your life together comfort you in the days ahead.

Sincerely,

Doug and Mary Ann

Judy Rose

January 20, 2006

Mike,

For over 60 years, you were my little brother and now God has

you for eternity. My greatest

consolation is that someday, we

will be a complete family again.

I love you and I miss you. Safe

journey and God speed.

Sis

Bob Shookner

January 20, 2006

Mike, You should have been here yesterday with Bev. I had your room ready, but you now have a far superior room with an amazing view. From your seat next to God, it's okay to moniter my brush burning and I will try to do you proud. Had a cocktail with you at sunset on the deck last night.

Love you like a brother!!!

Leona (Lee) Cox

January 19, 2006

My sympathy goes out to you Beverly and the rest of the family...I know what you are going through, because I lost my husband (my best friend and the love of my life) 2 years ago...but I have our children and grandchildren to help me go on without him until we meet again.

I worked with your lovely Mother, Lois & Del for many years, who are wonderful people.

My prayers are with you and your family.

God Bless...

Thomas Palome

January 19, 2006

Dear Mike,

It took over 30 years to find you again, only to lose you in less than 6 years. I will find you again in paradise!

Cuz Tom

Cathy Griggs

January 19, 2006

Dear Bev, I was so saddened to hear of Mike's death and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Mike was always so nice to work with and will be missed. I wish you the best getting through this difficult time.

ANABELL ESPADA

January 18, 2006

Mike,

Let me begin by saying WOW!! I could not believe it when I heard it. Why? Why always the good people have to go first. You will be greatly missed by all your friends and family. You were the best airline rep. anyone could ever ask for. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for everything, especially your wonderful humor and personality.You were always there, never said no and always willing to help others. May the Lord Bless you and your family always. May you rest in peace.

Felicia Russo

January 18, 2006

Dear Bev,

I was saddened and so sorry to hear the news of Mike's passing. Even though I was unable to attend the service for him, you were in my thoughts and prayers. May God help you find the strength to get through this very hard time. My deepest condolences to you, Felicia

Edna Chiesa

January 18, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with you ! I met Mike back in 1982 when I was working for Red Carpet Airlines, he loved going to the Cayman Islands ! He then became my Eastern sales rep as I tansitioned to the travel agency world. He always cared deeply for his accounts and friends. Mike is an integral and fond memory of the " good old days ' of our industry. May he rest in our Lord's arms.

Ray Nau

January 18, 2006

Dear Family

I want to express my sympathy in the passing of Mike. As a fellow Eastern Airlines employee, it was always a pleasure to know, meet and speak with Mike. He will be missed.

Denise Beardslee

January 18, 2006

Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Karen Troxel

January 17, 2006

Dear Beverly, Judy & family,

I met Mike over 20 years ago when he began his career with Continental Airlines and I was in the travel industry. He was always enthusiastic, happy and a pleasure to work with. I was so sad to hear that he had passed away.

What a small world it is as his only sister, Judy, is a member of my church, 1st United Methodist Church of Brandon. (And Beverly, I had the pleasure of meeting you while you were a designer at Ethan Allen.)

May God bless you and be with you all during these difficult times.

Sincerely,

Nancy Evans

January 17, 2006

Dear Beverly, Judy, and family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. May you find comfort in this thought: Memories are the hugs of loved ones whose arms can no longer embrace us.

With love & sadness,

Cousin Nancy and Wayne Evans

January 17, 2006

We loved, we laughed, we were friends.

I will never forget my best friend.

I hope you are having the best time in your after-life!

DJ

Jane Russell & Family

January 17, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Rich and Anne Ferranda

January 17, 2006

Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you, Bev, Judy, Dave and Family. May God give you peace and comfort.

Elaine Palome

January 17, 2006

Bev, Judy and Dave,

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time.

Much love from New Hampshire.

Elaine

Taffy Coleman

January 17, 2006

Mike was the best sales rep and friend there could be. He will be greatly missed. Say "Hi" to everyone in heaven. We shall meet again.

Emily Lage

January 17, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time.

January 17, 2006

Mike,

We laughed, we loved, we had fun. May you now be having the best time of your life in your after-life!

Dave Rose

January 17, 2006

Mike. You were the perfect brother

in law. I don't recall you ever asking to borrow money, my tools,

or encouraging me to invest in swamp land. Say hello to JYB, your mom and GG for me. I'll do my best to take care of Judy and

help Bev in the days ahead.

alice & glenn davis

January 17, 2006

Beverly, I am so sorry for your loss. As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family, friends and God.

Myrna Reyes

January 17, 2006

Hola Miguel,

I am sure all angels have smiles on their faces. Your sense of humor and zest for life will be dearly missed. You left very fond memories. Your friendship will be treasured forever.

Anne,Cliff,Martin Merritt (Acker)

January 17, 2006

Our Love and Prayers are with you all at this sad time.

Robert Berlin

January 17, 2006

Mike was a good friend and coworker. He made it easy to get through the day. He would always try to keep things light and upbeat. Always telling a joke or story to help keep everyone going. He was a man who, for the short time I knew him, seemed to try to live his life to the fullest. He never stopped dreaming or planning for the future. He will definitely be missed, but also never forgotten. I still owe you a drink, Mike and plan on paying up someday. God Bless you and your family.

Bob Randolph

January 17, 2006

Bev, I want to reach out and give you a hug. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Sherri Popek

January 17, 2006

Mike was a great friend of mine as well as my co-workers, he always went out of his way to help us, he will be greatly missed.

My deepest condolence goes out to his family.

Sherri Popek

Global Express Tvl

Anne Szvetitz

January 17, 2006

Beverly,

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

With love your Ethan Allen Family

Dolores Strait

January 17, 2006

Mike was a wonderful person and good friend to all he help while in the travel industry. A true gentlemen. He will certainly be missed. Rest in peace.

Kim Johnson

January 17, 2006

I have known Mike prior to his "MC Mike" role with my infamous uncle, "DJ Ray", as his best friend. Mike has been apart of our family and will always be with us in spirit and soul. He will forever be missed, but his memory and music will continue to play on and on and on and ...

Beverly, we share your loss and will keep you in our hearts and prayers.

With our sincerest sympathies,

The Johnson Family [Rhett, Kim (Campbell), Cassidy & Garrett]

Mike Gruendel

January 17, 2006

Mike and I became friends while he worked in the travel industry. Mike was an extremely generous, outgoing and likeable guy. I remember every time I spoke with him him he had a new joke or funny email to send. I will miss him. Mike, rest in peace.

Jim and Margie Hughes

January 17, 2006

Our love and prayers are with Mike and his family. May the loving memories of Mike sustain his family and friends during this sad time.

Cookie Smith

January 17, 2006

Thoughts and prayers from North Carolina for Mike's family.

Glenda and Stan Hallam

January 17, 2006

To lose a sibling is to lose your oldest friend... You have our thoughts, prayers and love...

michael boudreau

January 17, 2006

Mike and I have been friends for forty-five years. he was the best man at my wedding,and one of the best men I have ever known. my favorite memories are too many to list.his mom and dad were like my surrogate parents and I'm so happy they are all together again.

May Beverly, Judy & Dave and their families find the peace and comfort in the Lord, and in the many friends that want to support them in this time of sorrow.

Gert & Carol Wazewski

January 17, 2006

Dear Bev, Judy & family:

We are so sorry to hear about Mike. Our hearts and prayers go out to all of you. He will be dearly missed. Mike was a great guy with a great sense of humor.

All our Love,

Aunt Gert & Carol

John Wells

January 17, 2006

Mike:

You are a great friend whom I love and miss. Thank you for bringing a smile to my face, for listening when I needed to talk, for the memories and times we had. Thanks for being my friend. One day we will sit, have coffee and visit about old times. Till then, I will remember you everyday.

You know I'll stay in touch with Beverly and do what I can to help her.

See ya Pal

John

Karen Berlin

January 17, 2006

I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.

My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.

They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.

Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.

But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.

Robin Robbins

January 17, 2006

Mike was a good friend; great co-worker here at TSI. I will miss you tremendously. Rest in peace in heaven.

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