Father of the Founder of VMMEPP
James (Jim) Eugene Tillman, Research Professor Emeritus in the University of Washington Department of Atmospheric Sciences, born in Wilmington North Carolina, resident of both coasts, and leader in science from both Earth and Mars, passed away March 29, 2023, at the age of 90.
Not only a scientist and engineer, Jim was also a humanitarian and global thinker who put others and solutions to problems above himself and notoriety, and he was universally loved and respected. He graduated with Undergraduate and Masters degrees in Meteorology from MIT, and worked on aerospace Missions beginning with the Viking.
He was a precocious child, and curious; a lifelong scientist with a passion for sharing his knowledge and excitement of Martian planetary exploration with young learners; a tinkerer that could fix anything; a music lover who couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket; and a photographer that introduced the art and passion to his children. His commitment to making the world better found its home base as a lifetime Rotary member, encouraged by his Father-in-law. In addition to being a dedicated scientist, he set an example as a human being. Generous, kind, and always hard working, he always assumed the best first. He pushed his co-workers and students to their best — if you could dream it you could do it.
Jim was loved and respected by a global community of scientists, engineers, students, and leaders who described him as kind, determined, and way ahead of his time, as he led projects such as the first crowd sourced space mission funding efforts for Viking’s extended mission, with a group of young Mars scientists and enthusiasts – which he then led from his UW Office in Washington; the first internet served live data exhibit in the world at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in DC; research which uncovered answers to dust storms on Mars, water-ice discoveries, and others with his Viking Science Team peers. He began his passion for outreach at Seattle Country Day School where his daughter went, and continued at “The Red Barn” and other venues, and loved telling the story about T.A. Wilson’s admiration of him as “the guy who talks to kids”.
His love of the Viking mission was in his DNA, and he shared his stories and mission facts with everyone – it was his “religion” and if there was a place to travel after this life, it would likely be to Viking I and II on Mars. Hopefully he is checking the batteries, trying to find a way to restart it, and checking back here to make sure we are all right. Because that’s what he did… he solved problems, and checked in on his people. He loved both equally and never tired of a good conundrum.
“Mathematics, science and logical thought processes are the foundation of engineering, science and technology. A thorough understanding of their fundamentals and interrelationships is essential if a nation is to improve, or even maintain its position in today’s globally competitive environment. Without this understanding, there is little potential for both an informed government, capable of offering reasonable legislative choices, and an educated electorate, capable of understanding the choices and making the wise decisions necessary to ensure a productive and secure future.” ( J. E. Tillman )
Dad, you stood up for the underdog and could not be censored. You knew community reached farther than the eye can see and the voice can call. You set a high bar and inspired others to pursue it. You were a champion of your entire family, supporting their myriad non-standard lifestyles and ideas, always supportive, with no judgements. We will miss you eternally.
~ Rachel Tillman, Founder VMMEPP
Donations in honor of Jim Tillman can be made to:
The Viking Mars Missions Education and Preservation Project (VMMEPP)
5331 S. Macadam Ave.
Portland Oregon 97239
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