James A. Lillie was born October 1, 1939 in Des Moines, Iowa. He graduated from North High School, and went on to Simpson College in Indianola and received his BA degree in 1962.

 Jim’s first teaching assignment was at the Junior High School in Iowa Falls. There he met Ruth Schmeiser of Wapello, IA, and on June 9, 1963, they were married. During the summers Jim continued to pursue further education in his mathematical field, receiving his MA from the University of Maine in Orono in 1970. In 1972 he began teaching at the high school level in Iowa Falls, and continued his career of 23 years until Feb. 11, 1985, after he was diagnosed with ALS. He died on September 6, 1987 at his home in Iowa Falls.

Jim was an active member of the educational organizations on local and state levels, a member of the Toastmasters Club for 18 years, and a counselor at American Legion Boys State for 21 years, becoming Assistant Director in 1980. He was instrumental in the founding of the Iowa Falls Evangelical Free Church in 1982. He was a charter member and served actively as an elder as long as he was physically able.

Survivors include his wife Ruth, two daughters, Susan and Sandra, his sisters, Jean Davis of Ankeny and Janet Alessio of Des Moines, IA. Services were held Sept. 9 at the Iowa Falls First United Methodist Church with Pastor Bob Nieuwendorp officiating. Burial was in Union Cemetery.