Jim Tilford

James Tilford, age 74, of North Platte, passed away at Great Plains Health on Monday, December 17, 2018, after a short battle with cancer.

Jim was born July 8, 1944, in North Platte, to William and Irene Tilford. He grew up west of town and attended Platte Valley School then Hershey High School, graduating in 1963. Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army the following year and served in Vietnam. His job was an important one, he was responsible for delivering ammunition to troops in battle.

Following his discharge in 1967, Jim returned to Nebraska and hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad where he worked as a Carman until retiring in 2003. Jim was married to Bonnie Keck for a while. They had a daughter, Katie, and later divorced.

He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, the VFW Post #1504, and on a men's softball team, playing for the Hub Bar. Jim loved listening to music, playing pool, and was proud of his welding work. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, and liked watching Husker football and the Dallas Cowboys. Jim loved his family and liked teasing his nieces and nephews. He especially loved his daughter and lived his life for her.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Katie and Christopher Hollis, of North Platte; brother, Bill (Stephanie) Tilford, of Sutherland; sisters, Jean (Rodney) Fisher, of North Platte and Carol (Jim) Frame, of Hershey; as well as many nieces, nephews and other family.

Jim was preceded in death by his twin brother, John; parents, William and Irene Tilford; and sisters and brothers-in-law, Joann and Wesley Simants and Willa and Thaddeius 'Pepper' White.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, December 20, 2018, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church with Celebrant Father Josh Brown. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. followed by a Rosary Service at 7 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Memorials are suggested to St. Patrick's Catholic Church.