James Bruce Tilden was born November 20, 1917 in Suffield, CT to James Horace Tilden and Eleanor Mariah McNutt. Jim was the youngest of 5 children, all of whom preceded him in death. A New Englander at heart, Jim passed away at the age of 95 at Integris Hospice House in Oklahoma City on November 5, 2013. In 1937, at the height of the Great Depression, Jim entered the Navy where he served for 20 years. While in the Navy, he saw the world. He was proudest of his time on the USS South Dakota (1942-1943), also known as Battleship X, where he saw action in the battle of Santa Cruz and he was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon for his outstanding heroism. He also served on the USS Quincy, USS California, USS Alaska, USS Damato, USS Vulcan, USS Newport News and the USS Saratoga; and he received many other medals. He retired from the Navy as Chief Warrant Officer in 1960 and started his civilian career at Cape Canaveral where he was part of the team to put the first man into space and the first man on the moon. He retired a second time and went to work with Southern Bell where he worked until his third retirement in 1983 when he started enjoying traveling by RV, golf, boating and fishing on a full-time basis. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ruth, also a WWII Veteran; his sons, Robert (Carolyn) and David (Lynette); and his grandsons, Riley and Corwin. A private memorial service was held with his family. His ashes will be scattered at sea. To share a memory or condolence, visit www.mercer-adams.com Private Services