John Tyler Tillinghast III

The Patriarch of the Tillinghast family, John “Jack” Tyler Tillinghast III was born in Revere, Massachusetts on September 18, 1943 and died at his home in Surrey Hills, Oklahoma on October 26, 2023 at the age of 80 years old, after a lengthy illness. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Jan, who died on June 10, 2023. They shared 42 precious years together. He is survived by his daughter, Jana Ramirez, granddaughter, Rileigh West, brother, Richard & Linda Tillinghast, and sister, Nancy Tillinghast and nieces and nephews, Darien & Lisa Tillinghast, Jason & Jennifer Tillinghast, David Drake and his fiancé Ida Rowland, Rickey & Shelby Tillinghast and Daniel & Vanessa Tillinghast. Jan’s children, in California are Renee & Mike Young, Clint & Jennifer Ellison, and Devin & Sylvia Ellison. Also, in-laws Ed & Susan West.

How do you begin to detail a life that touched and influenced people around the globe. Jack was one of the great, “movers and shakers,” of this world. Hid vast knowledge, outgoing personality, unlimited energy & curiosity led him on a lifetime of adventures. He was the developer of Surrey Hills, Oklahoma for 30 years, owned and developed dude ranches in Colorado and enjoyed international business ventures. He treasured a close circle of friends, some from as far back as high school. The stories of their escapades were epic & enjoyed by all of us, as they were recounted down thru the years. His last words, written on his tombstone are “He who has the most stories wins!” He loved the outdoors, deep sea fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, hunting and hiking, but he always said. “I will never jump out of a perfectly good airplane.” He has a fascination with snakes and reptiles. He’d go rattlesnake hunting with friends throughout the years and as kids, we’d often wake up to a sign posted on the garage door, “Do not enter, rattlesnakes present.” His mother and father has the patience of Jobe and encouraged and supported his interesting endeavors. He passed his love and fascination of reptiles to his nephew, David, who has continued to share Jack’s legacy with anyone who is interested. Jack was generous with his time, knowledge and resources, earning his Honored Title as the Patriarch of the Tillinghast family. It I difficult to say “good-bye” ,to someone who has invested so much of himself into his family and friends. Jack was truly a Renaisance Man.

Grave side services will be held at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, Masonic Garden, 8701N.W. Expressway, Oklahoma City Oklahoma, on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 2pm in the afternoon. A luncheon will be served immediately following the funeral, at the Forest Point Condominiums Club House at 11525 N. Meridian Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.