James K. Tillotson, 88, passed away on November 18, 2023 after a two year encounter with cancer. He passed away peacefully at home in the company of his family. Jim was born in Springfield on July 6, 1935 to John and Rosanna (Lee) Tillotson. Jim was currently serving as a Chicopee City Councilor-at-Large and had previously served as Ward 1 City Councilor and earlier as Ward 1 member of the Board of Alderman (previous name for the Council). Prior to that, he served two terms as Ward 1 School Committeeman. He served more than 50 years in the City of Chicopee because he started teaching at Lambert Lavoie Elementary School and then moved to teaching Social Studies at Chicopee High School and also served as the Hockey Coach. He had been Assistant Hockey Coach under Pete Clarke. After teaching in Chicopee, he taught Social Studies at the High School of Commerce in Springfield and then served as Director of Social Studies K-12. He was proud of his education which included Classical High School in Springfield, American International College (B.A. in Economics), Springfield College (M.A. in Education, and Sixth Level which is 30 hours beyond the Master’s Degree). As a veteran, Jim served in the Air National Guard which was sent to Phalsbourg, France during the Berlin Crisis. He had remained active in the American Legion and in the Elks. Jim leaves his wife Joan (Cavanaugh) Tillotson and their four children and their families. James M. Tillotson and his wife, Susan, and children Katelyn, James, and Hannah, live in Cumming, GA. Mary Spencer and sons, Collen and Evan live in Cumberland, RI. Karen Pons and Dustin Pons and their children Maggie, Oliver, Lilly, and Davis live in Newburyport, MA. Matthew lives in Chicopee. Papa loved spending time with the nine grandchildren and their families. Jim was predeceased by Denise (Lesieur) Tillotson, his first wife, his parents, John and Rosanna, his older brother John Tillotson and his wife Virginia, and many aunts, uncles, and other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, please give the gift of masses especially from the home parish of St. Rose de Lima, (15 Chapel Street office), St. Stanislaus Basilica, (40 Cyman Drive office), where Jim came to noon Mass on Fridays, the Divine Mercy Shrine, Stockbridge, MA 02163; or other source of Masses. Calling hours will be held on Friday, November 24, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Grise Funeral Home, 280 Springfield St, Chicopee. The Rite of Christian Burial Mass will be held Saturday, November 25 at 11:00 AM at St Rose de Lima Church with burial at Calvary Cemetery.