James Richard Tilley

He was preceded in death by his parents Wess and Allie Tilley.

Survivors include his wife of forty-two years, Donna Warren Tilley; daughter, Sherrie Singleton and husband Keith of Haughton, LA; grandsons, Chase and Cade Stepp of Natchitoches, LA; granddaughters, Courtney Stepp and Abbie and Paige Pruett of Haughton, LA; son, James Wess Tilley; grandsons, Caleb and Peyton Tilley, and daughter in law Tracy Tilley of Haughton, LA; brothers, Randall Tilley and wife Rosemary of Titusville, FL; and Marshall Tilley and wife Cora of Social Circle, GA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim graduates from Haughton High School in 1964.

Upon graduating from Louisiana Tech in 1970 Jim went on active duty with the United States Navy. Soon after he married Donna Warren of Ringgold, LA; and they moved to Coronado, CA. He later applied and was accepted to Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island and earned his commission of Ensign. He served the remainder of his tour in Norfolk, VA; with Tacron 22, Tactical Air Control Squadron. Upon his discharge from active duty in 1974 he moved the family back to his hometown of Haughton, LA. He resigned his commission in 1976 with the rank of Lieutenant.

After spending a year with Wilson’s Foods in Shreveport, LA; Jim left to resume the oilfield career he began as a teenager, working in the fields with his dad. He worked in all departments of Halliburton gaining valuable knowledge and experience which led to a position as onsite supervisor for Chrystal Oil and Gas, then later with Arkla Gas.

He worked his first consulting job in 1993 for Arkla Gas when they no longer kept on site supervisors as employees.This was the start of his thirteen year consulting business Jim Tilley Consulting Inc. While he began consulting on workovers, after the first years he worked exclusively in drilling. He has worked in Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Oklahoma, California, Montana, Utah and Pennsylvania.

Their love of the mountains moved Jim and Donna to Pagosa Springs, CO in 2000 to live their dream. When Jim was not working much of their time was spent camping, hunting, skiing, and hosting numerous guests.

In 2006 Jim decided to take a permanent position with EOG Resources as drilling supervisor in Vernal,UT, which allowed more time at home and the opportunity to progress his career. In 2009 he transferred to the Pittsburg,Pennsylvania Division where he was eventually promoted to Division Drilling Manager. The last 2 ½ years were devoted to building and managing the drilling department. Sharing his knowledge and experience with his collegues, Jim built a team of professionals that anyone would be as proud to work with as he was. He learned as much as he gave. He was a dedicated individual who loved his job and the people he worked with.

Jim was raised to love the Lord and was instilled with a strong sense of family and a strong work ethic that he never strayed from.

He loved his family and treasured every moment spent with them. His greatest joy these past years has been the time spent with his grandchildren. He loved to hunt, fish, camp, 4 wheel, travel, and just enjoyed life.

Visitation will be held at Hill Crest Funeral Home in Haughton, LA; on Sunday, January 29, 2012 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with services on Monday, January 30, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Haughton with Rev. Gevan Spinney and Rev. Melton Prothro

officiating.

Pallbearers will be grandsons Chase and Cade Stepp of NSU Natchitoches, LA; and Caleb and Peyton Tilley of Haughton, LA; nephews, Trey Warren of Shiloh, IL; and Jeff Tilley of Marietta, GA. Special family friends Adam Mitchell and David Mitchell of Haughton, LA; and Colleagues Robert Dysart of Dubois, PA; Danny Fischer of San Antonio, TX; and Sam Taylor of Neola, UT.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family by visiting www.hillcrestmemorialfh.com