A funeral for James A. Tildsley, age 81, a long-time resident of Wilmington, was held this morning at Nichols Funeral Home, Inc., at 9 a.m. before his funeral services at St. Thomas church. He was laid to rest at the Interment Wildwood Cemetery. 

Tildsley died Monday, November 15, 2010, at the Lowell General Hospital.

Born on November 25, 1928, in Medford, MA, James was the dear son of the late Sidney A. and Louise (Minchello) Tildsley. He grew up in Medford, MA and was a graduate of Medford High School. James enlisted in the United States Army during World War II and was honorably discharged in November of 1947.

He married Claire O'Neil on June 10, 1950, together they enjoyed over 56 years of marriage before her passing in April 2007. The couple moved to Wilmington in the 1955 where they raised their three sons: James Jr., Sidney and Martin.

James got very involved in Wilmington Little League, serving as the President for 10 years. He, as well as several other fathers, were instrumental in breaking ground for the Rotary Park and they built the first dugouts themselves. James enjoyed supporting youth sports and never wanted a child to be left out.

James and Claire loved to travel, they took many trips to Las Vegas, wintered in Florida and then lived there full time for several years, he loved to go to Lake Ossippee with his family and friends, and enjoyed the ocean in Wells, Maine, where he lived for 10 years before returning to Wilmington to be closer to his family.

James loved his family, especially the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed attending their sporting events and rooting them on. They will miss him dearly.

James was the beloved husband of the late Claire C. (O'Neil), devoted father of James A. Tildsley, Jr., and his wife Kathryn of Andover, Sidney A. Tildsley and his wife Sharon and Martin F. Tildsley and his wife Carol – all of Wilmington; loving "Papa" of Kaylan, Kyle, Brian and his wife Erica, Kevin, Jason and his wife Leah, Kellee, Marty and his wife Marlene, Ryan, and great-grandchildren Tayla, Sidney, and James George, brother of Joan Jack of Worcester, brother-in-law of Francis O'Kane of Brighton, also survived by many nieces, nephews and good friends in Florida.

Memorial donation's in James' name may be made to the Jimmy Fund, 1 Harvard St., Brookline, MA 02146