So very sad to hear of Steve’s passing! I met him through my late husband Tom Sikes who considered him a good friend. Like other classmates  have mentioned they were friends since Ribault High School. Although we didn’t see much of him in later years, we caught up at reunions and through Facebook. As Tom would, I wish his family peace and grace… He will be missed.

I only just this date learned of Steve's passing. I worked with him at the JSO prison farm in corrections and he helped me when he went to patrol and I was sent to the next academy class in 1978.  He lived in the apartment below me in the University Park area for a few years. he was always glad to see you and offer any help. We shared a love of the Gators.  I last saw him at another funeral of another officer and we sat and talked about old friends and memories. One of the oldest friends I had with JSO and one of the best person you would ever want to call your friend. God speed.

Steve was the most loyal of friends. Always ready with a quick smile and a long story.  He will be sorely missed.

Steve was a great guy and I always enjoyed our chats, especially related to travel which we both enjoyed.  I met him many years ago at the State Attorneys Office and was happy to have continued our friendship in the years after retirement.  He was a good friend to many and always spoke so kindly of his family.  May they find peace in their happy memories.

Someone previously called Steve an “Original”
Which I wholeheartedly agree. Loved debating with him over local, national, and international events. He had an opinion and was knowledgeable on almost everything.
Loved hearing about his trips. He also was very loyal. Will really miss seeing you riding your red bike up and down San Jose and especially miss our beer drinking with our political friends,

God's speed Steve...loved you like a brother!

I shall always cherish the memories we made and shared through the years of Florida politics.

You are are an American Original, a one off in this life of ours.

As Emerson said:

What is life but the angle of vision? A man is measured by the angle at which he looks at objects. What is life but what a man is thinking of all day? This is his fate and his employer. Knowing is the measure of the man. By how much we know, so we are.

Our world is dimmer without your light.

God's speed soldier, and sorry we lost touch over the years...

Sending Condolences to his wife and family. So sad to hear of Steve passing. The last time I seen Steve was at the Ribault Class Reunion. We set together with Donald Brown telling stories. Steve always brought up a time years ago when he was in the Air Force and I was in the Army. We set together on a flight to Jacksonville from Atlanta. We both were in our military uniform. He alway brought up the story of me playing my portable 8 Tack Player, playing a Grand Funk Railroad song, I’m getting closer to my home. Will miss seeing Steve at all our future class reunions. He always had a smile on his face and a good story to tell. RIP Steve my friend.

Steve and I became friends when he and I worked at Winn Dixie in the early 70s.  We then worked at the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office on the same squad for several years.  We both experienced and observed some interesting and memorable situations.  I will miss our long conversations and lunches.  Steve was a unique person and everyone that met him was positively impacted by his outgoing and friendly spirit.

My heartfelt and sincerest condolences go out to Irina and the family. I met Steve many years ago when we all lived at Woodmere. He was so loved by everyone.  R.I.P my friend...you will be greatly missed. <3

Steve will surely be missed by the many family and friends of Jacksonville.  I was married to one of his classmates at Ribault High School, Gary Padgett (RIP 4/3/22).  I remember meeting Steve at one of the many high school reunions and looked forward to seeing him at the next.
Steve and Gary were political opposites yet remained friends via Facebook for many years. I am especially grateful to Steve for giving our son, Scott Padgett, a kind reference for Scott's first job out of law school- working for Harry Shorestein with the State Attorney's Office. 
After Gary passed away in 2022, I remained friends with Steve on FB.  Our most recent discussion was about my trip to FDR's Little White House, Warm Springs, GA, two months ago. He and I had a common interest in history and I always enjoyed our FB comments. 
I pray for the Holy Spirit to be with Steve and especially his family during the difficult days ahead. He will be missed.
Kathy Padgett (spouse of Gary Padgett)

When I think about Steve, the first thing I think of is that he was one of the good ones. Caring, loyal, and always about doing  the right thing. He will be missed. My condolences to all of his family.

To Steve’s family, sending our most sincere condolences to Irina and all of his children and other family members. 
Mike & I will be remembering Steve’s passion for outdoors and his dedication to family and law enforcement career.
We are saddened to hear of his passing. 
He is a Ribault Trojan alumni and will be remembered always!
Michael and Janice (Crosby) Kelley

I send my condolences to the Family and Friends of Steve Tillman at this very sad time.  I worked with his Father, who was with the JPD at the time, and his mother, who was with the Clerk of the Criminal Court during my time with the Duval County Sheriff's Office prior to consolidation. I also served with Steve in the Guard and during our careers with the City of Jacksonville, Steve with the JSO, while I had transferred to JFRD. I worked closely with Seve when he was assigned to the Mayor's Office and later during his time with the State Attorney.  Always with a smile, a new "political story" or a good pension question, Steve served his County and his City.  May he rest in the Peace of Our Lord.

John Keane

OBITUARY

Stephen Alan Tillman

January 29, 1952 – February 2, 2026

Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel & Oaklawn Cemetery

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