James Leo 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 Alfred and Irene
Maxine (Wells) 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.

Odean Colonial Chapel – 302 South Sycamore – North Platte NE 69101 –
308-532-1450