Jimmie N. Tilley

Jimmie Neal Tilley, 67 of Middletown, passed away on Monday January 6, 2025 at Middlesex Hospital.   He was the husband of Ann (Garuti) Tilley, with whom he shared nearly 35 years of marriage.

Born in Missouri on August 19, 1957, one of three children to the late Neal and Cybil (Wolf) Tilley, Jimmie grew up in Arkansas, where he was raised and educated before enlisting in the U.S. Navy.  He proudly served his country, showcasing his love for freedom, and learned many trades that would stay with him throughout his life.  For over forty years, Jimmie was a fixture at Wesleyan University, where he was the go-to guy in various capacities.  A man of many talents with an incredible knack for fixing things; he was a master mechanic who spent countless hours working on and building hot rods, choppers, and electric guitars.  When he wasn't tinkering on one of his many projects, Jimmie was often found outdoors, reveling in the beauty of nature while camping and fishing with his family.  His musical talents, along with his passion for cooking, made many gatherings special, and his love for dogs, especially large breeds, meant that his furry friends were never far from his side.  A longtime member of Good News Baptist Church in Middletown, Jimmie was baptized and saved, embodying the values of kindness, generosity, and faith that he passionately lived by.  He will be missed dearly and remembered fondly by the many lives he touched.

In addition to his wife, Ann, he leaves his son and daughter-in-law, Brandon and Brenda Tilley; his son Dane Tilley; his granddaughter, Angela Tilley; 2 great-grandchildren Vitalia and Versaii, his mother-in-law Germaine Garuti and many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his son, Jarod, his brother David and his sister Maryann.

Family and friends may gather on Friday evening from 5-7 p.m. at Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad St, Plainville.  Words of remembrance will be shared by the family at 7:00 p.m.  He will be laid to rest privately in the spring at West Cemetery, Plainville.  For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.PlainvilleFuneralHome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jimmie N. Tilley, please visit our floral store.