Obituary of James E. Tillma

James E Tillma 94, passed away peacefully at home in Niskayuna, NY at Glen Eddy Residence on Thursday April 30, 2015. Survived by his wife Antonette (Toni) of 72 years. Born in David City, Nebraska, Jim graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Engineering in 1942 with an Electrical Engineering Degree. He became an electrical engineer partly as a result of interest in the David City Municipal Power plant near his boyhood home. Jim was a member of Sigma Tau honorary society and Pi Mu Epsilon fraternity. Along with graduation came marriage to Toni June, 1942. General Electric Company decided Jim had a promising future and hired him. In 1942 GE moved Jim and Toni to Davenport, IA to begin his career with small motors in a GE district office. After less than a year in Davenport, GE decided Jim earned a more complex challenge and moved he and Toni to Fitchburg, MA. He was very good with a slide rule and complex formulas regarding the character and flow of electricity. Next came General Electric Schenectady headquarters and son Ralph in 1943. Life was becoming more complex for Jim. Toni began a singing career at WRGB radio, joined the church choir and changed diapers. In 1945 daughter Suzy arrived. During WWII GE built submarine propulsion systems in Schenectady and Jim worked long hours testing reliability/performance for the US Navy motors. After this assignment he worked on the design of large hydro-generators for power dams. Some of his work is in Washington's Grand Coulee Dam. From there he moved to the design of large induction motors some as large as 45,000 horsepower. During this time GE made many changes to the motor and generator groups in Schenectady. Jim was named Manager of the Large Induction Motor Design Group of the Large Motor and Generator Department a position he held until his retirement in August 1980. In addition to his managerial duties, Jim also went on many trips in the US and worldwide to assist sales, installation, and startup of large induction motors. These motors powered steel mills, nuclear power plants, flood control pump motors, and a US government high speed wind tunnel in Moffat Field, California among others. An assignment of special interest to Jim was election to design AC generators to power his hometown of David City, NE. These generators are still in standby service at the David City municipal power plant. All of these activities earned Jim membership in the American Institute of Electrical Engineers, the GE Elfun Society and the Riccitello's lunch club Schenectady. He was also a charter of American Standards Institute subcommittee for power plant polyphase induction motors. In retirement Jim remained active at the family cabin on Sacandaga Lake in Lake Pleasant, New York. Jim loved the Adirondacks and was a volunteer with the Sacandaga - Lake Pleasant Association. Jim and Toni owned a motor home which they drove to South Carolina, Colorado, and the Pacific Northwest. Not completely satisfied with highway driving, Jim learned to fly a Piper Cub airplane. He also was a ham radio operator call letters WA2BLD. His radio station at home was connected to antenna wires in backyard trees but actually reached the world. He could send/receive Morse code and passed the test several times. Neighbors were curious about the code emanating from his basement. He is survived by wife Toni, son Ralph of White Bear Lake, MN, daughter Suzy Montler (Mike) of Grand Junction, CO, sister Doris Kleppinger of Hastings, NE, grandchildren Jeff (Becky) of Grand Rapids, MN, Doug (Nicole) of Hugo, MN, Brandon Montler (Jayne) of Sandia, NM, Bonner Montler (Jane) of El Cajon, CA plus six great grandchildren, Sam, Ellie, Travis, Jason, Christine, and Brandon. Predeceased by his parents Earl and Louisa Tillma formerly David City, NE. Jim will be greatly missed by family and residents at Glen Eddy and Lake Pleasant. Overriding all of Jim's accomplishments was his family and friends. A Memorial service celebrating Jim's life will be held Friday May 8, 2015 at 11 AM at The First Reformed Church, 8 North Church Street, Schenectady, New York in the Poling Chapel. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Lake Pleasant Volunteer Fire Department, South Shore Road, Lake Pleasant, NY 12108 or to a charity of your choice.