James "Jim" M. Tilley

James “Jim” Matthews Tilley, 58, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away peacefully at his home on February 23, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Jim was born on April 28, 1967, in Topeka, Kansas, to Jewell E. Tilley and Kathleen Tilley. From an early age, Jim was known for his mischievous spirit and loving heart. He loved teasing his sisters and his mom, always keeping everyone laughing. As a child, he proudly answered to nicknames like “Baby Boy,” “Boxcar Tilley,” and “Freddy Flintstone.”

Jim graduated from Topeka High School in 1985. Shortly after, he married the love of his life, Mindy Tilley, on July 12, 1985. After dating just three months, Jim knew he had found his forever, and he never wasted a minute showing his love. Their marriage was a true example of devotion, partnership, and unconditional love that remained strong through the very end.

As a husband, Jim adored Mindy in the most genuine and playful ways. He loved her homecooked meals and their trips to Boomers, and he never passed up a chance to surprise her with a thoughtful gift — even if he made her work for it by hiding something small inside several oversized boxes she had to unwrap one by one. Some of their sweetest memories were the quiet moments spent alone at the 12-12 cabin on Table Rock Lake, drinking wine or beer on the deck or simply enjoying each other’s company. Whether they were attending NHRA racing events or relaxing on the back porch, their time together was filled with laughter, love, and a partnership that never wavered.

As a father, Jim had a presence his children will never forget — often all it took was a certain look to bring things back in line. His discipline was memorable and uniquely his own, whether it meant writing sentences, sitting on the “baby wall,” or even tying one of their legs together to pull weeds when they weren’t getting along. He was firm but always fair, teaching his children right from wrong, the value of a dollar, and the importance of working hard both in school and in life. Above all, he never let a day pass without showing how deeply he loved and cared for them. He led by example and was, in every sense, the best kind of dad.

Jim worked hard his entire life in the auto industry. He dedicated over 20 years to Briggs Auto, where he not only built a career but also lifelong friendships. He was a mentor to many and took pride in helping others learn the trade he loved.

Outside of work, Jim’s greatest joy was his family. He loved taking “Funcations,” driving his Corvette, attending car shows, working on cars with JD, and showing off his 1973 Corvette, “Jet.” He enjoyed time at the races, fishing trips to Table Rock Lake, and vacations with those he loved most. One of his favorite getaways was staying in cabin 12-12 on Table Rock Lake in Branson, Missouri, where he would sit on the back deck with a cup of coffee, watching the sunrise over the water.

Jim was especially proud of being “PawPaw.” He adored his granddaughters, KarLynn and Mackenzie. Whether he was cheering the loudest at their school programs and sporting events, teaching Mackenzie his famous “does that smell like…” trick, watching “Nailed It” or “1,2,3, Go” with Karly, giving belly zerberts, or spoiling them during sleepovers, his love for them was endless. Being their PawPaw was one of his greatest achievements.

He enjoyed simple but meaningful moments—watching movies, relaxing on the back porch with Mindy, visiting the casino, and loving on his dogs Rebel and Bubba.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Mindy Tilley of Topeka; his son, JD Tilley of Topeka; his daughter, Jennifer Meyer (Tyler) of Berryton; and his cherished granddaughters, KarLynn Meyer and Mackenzie Meyer of Berryton. He is also survived by his sisters, Amanda Tilley, Julie Tilley, and Courtney Tilley, all of Topeka; his brother, Ronnie Shotts (Lisa) of Topeka; his sister, Louann Hughes (Dale) of Topeka; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jewell E. Tilley and Kathleen Tilley; his niece, Solana Denice Sagun; his mother-in-law, Joann Shotts; and his beloved dog, Rocky.

At Jim’s request, there will be no formal service. A Celebration of Life will be held on April 17, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Reynold’s Lodge at Lake Shawnee, where family and friends are invited to gather, share stories, and celebrate the life of a man who loved deeply, worked hard, and never missed an opportunity to make memories.

Jim will be remembered for his humor, his loyalty, his work ethic, his loud cheers from the stands, and most of all, the fierce love he had for his family. His legacy lives on in the stories, laughter, and love he leaves behind.

To leave a message for his family online, please visit the guestbook below.