Tyler, James E., Jr.

Passed: 2013-02-03

Age: 84

Source: Jackson County Newspapers

Death Notice:

Obituary Date: 2013-02-05

Information: James E. Tyler, Jr., 84, of Ripley, died at his home on February 3, 2013, following many years with prostate cancer.  He was a professional engineer, retired from FedEx in Memphis, Tennessee.  There he followed his love of flying by obtaining all flight certifications and becoming a private flight instructor.  Jim followed many avocations with perfection and enthusiasm. He put himself throught college at the University of Florida with a thriving photography business and also led a school dance band. In his retirement he served as a volunteer photographer for WV Forestry Association and many Main Street Ripley functions.  He was an avid shooter and at one time participated in lower level Olympic Trials. Always adventuresome, following retirement, Jim and his wife, Greta, traveled all states and Canadian Provinces in their motor home for six years.  Ripley Rotary, Main Street Ripley and Epworth United Methodist Church have been the center of Jim's activities in Ripley the 14 years he has lived there.      He was preceded in death by his mother, Helen Cranford Tyler and father James E. Tyler, Sr. He is survived by his wife Greta Tillinghast Tyler and her children, Brian Gaston and Michelle G. Murphy (Joseph) and son Thomas C. Eisenbraun; his children, James E. Tyler III (Robbin) and Tanya S. Tyler and their mother, Bobbie Sue; two sisters, Susie T. Stone and Dorothy T. Simonton (Cal); brother-in-law Michael Tillinghast (Rachel).  A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 7, 2013 at Epworth United Methodist Church, Ripley, with Pastor Teresa Deane officiating.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.  If you wish, memorial gifts in Jim's memory may be sent to the Epworth United Methodist Church, 208 N. Church St. Ripley, WV 25271 or Rotary Foundation c/o Ripley Rotary Club, 170 Batten Farm Rd., Ripley WV 25271.