Mr. James Cleveland Tillman was born on February 10, 1939 to the late Mr. Willie Walter and Mrs. Zannie Tillman in Metter, Georgia. He was the youngest of five children. He was known to family and close friends as "Jake" and to his close military family and friends as "Tillman". He joined the military in 1959, where he served proudly as a Meddac nurse, receiving many medals that included a Vietnam Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal and Combat Medical Badge. When he retired from the military, he called Seaside, California home, he remained connected to the military through the VFW, where he held many positions, including Post Commander and Treasurer. James gained his wings on September 25, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones. He is survived by his domestic partner, Ulda Valverde (Greenfield, CA); his daughter and only child, Jan Tillman (Dallas, GA); three grandsons: Charles Tillman, Vijon Morales, and D'Vante Morales; three great-grandchildren: Koemi Morales, Avamarie Morales and Movado Morales; his "Buddy" Gregory; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.