James “Jim” Edward Tilford of Carmel, IN passed away on March 18, 2017 at home.  Jim was born in Indianapolis, IN, on August 25, 1949 and remained a lifelong resident of central Indiana.

Jim is survived by his daughter Courtney Tilford Uyar (Daniel Uyar) of New York, his sisters Mary Katherine “Katie” Schell (Robert) of California and Fleur McKnight (Charles) of North Carolina, his former wife, and close friend, Catherine Schuster Tilford of Indiana, and her mother Anne Schuster of Indiana, brother-in-law Greg Strom (Ann) of Indiana. Surviving Nieces and nephews: Debra Higgins (Bill), Cindy McKnight, DJ McKnight, Robert Schell, Theresa Higgins, Lukas Higgins, Monica Gellman (Jason), and Matt Strom.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents George and Mildred Tilford of Indianapolis, IN, his former sister-in-law Carol Schuster Strom (Greg) of Indiana, and his former father-in-law Dwight Schuster (Anne) of Indiana.

Jim prided himself on being a doting and supportive father to daughter Courtney. He learned the game of soccer in order to coach her youth team, and sat through many a children’s dance recital and choir concert (not previous loves of his). He was a Colts fan since they bailed on Baltimore, and he actively and proudly passed this love to his daughter.

Jim can be remembered as kind and loving and had a life full of hilarious (and harmlessly mischievous) stories to be shared around a table or bar-top with friends. Many would say he could be called out as a prankster. He remained politically involved throughout his life. He had a life-long passion for boating and sailing. He was a lover of James Brown and The Temptations, and of a great steak/dirty martini/oysters. He was a gun enthusiast, a lover of Old Western movies, an avid hunter and fisherman, often looking forward to such trips with family and friends, and he grilled a phenomenal burger.

Jim attended Broadripple High School and graduated from Ball State University where he was a member of the Lamda Chi Alpha Fraternity. He went on to follow in his father’s footsteps and work for the Indianapolis Star, work in many positions within the Indiana Government, and was most recently in Association Management with the Indiana Society of Accountants and working for Indiana Virtual School.

A visitation with the family will be held at Second Presbyterian Church (7700 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46260) on Thursday, April 6 from 11:30am-12:30pm, followed by a service at 12:30pm. A reception will be held after services to celebrate Jim’s life, as he would have much preferred a party. Arrangements for this are TBD.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The American Heart Association in memory of James Tilford.