James "Jim" H. Rillings

James H. Rillings, known to family, friends, and colleagues as Jim, was born in Mineola, New York, on June 5, 1942, and passed away unexpectedly on February 2, 2026, in Fort Myers, Florida, surrounded by his wife and nephew.

Jim shared 47 devoted years of marriage with his wife, Charlene Rillings. The two met while working at General Motors Research Laboratories in Warren, Michigan, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with love, curiosity, and shared adventures.

He was an active member of the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, St. Petersburg Opera Company, The Dalí Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg, Florida. Jim embraced life wholeheartedly—he loved reading, dancing, sailing, traveling, taking cruises, cooking, and especially making pizza every Sunday. He spent most of his retirement in St. Petersburg and the last two years in Bonita Springs.

Jim earned his PhD in electrical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and went on to enjoy a distinguished career as a researcher at General Motors Research & Development Laboratories. He became known for influential work in vehicle automation, driver–vehicle interaction, and early in‑car speech technologies. His publications and patents reflect his contributions to foundational ideas in adaptive vehicles and human–machine interfaces.

Jim is survived by his brother, Gregory Rillings, sister-in-law, Lynn Mack, nephew Brian Mack, nieces Cynthia Chouinard and Kristin Church and was deeply loved by his great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Clement (Stan) and Madeline (Dorothea) Rillings.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Tunnel to Towers Foundation or the charity of your choice.