TILLINGHAST, James Edward

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Posted: Sunday, May 18, 2014 - James (Jimmy) Edward Tillinghast, age 64, went home to be with the Lord May 14, 2014. He was born in Boston, Sept. 15, 1949 to Ernie Tillinghast and Cecile (Lessard). An Army veteran of the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1971, he was co-founder of the Lost Patrol (Vietnam Veterans) of Santa Clarita Valley, Calif., Chapter 355. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and member of the American Legion Post 81. Jimmy worked in the restaurant industry for eight years before receiving his cosmetology license in 1979. He and his wife put each other through Beauty College and opened their own salon, Beauty Saloon Hair Design, in Santa Clarita in 1984. In 1994, they moved to Lake Havasu City where they built their home and opened Lake Havasu’s New Beginnings Hair Design. He was a chaplain in California Acton and Warm Springs Rehab Centers for 10 years. Jimmy was co-founder of Calvary Christian Academy; he was a retired deacon at Calvary, as well as a Sunday school teacher there for many years. He also was a member of the Lake Havasu Campers for 10 years. He is survived by his wife Kathie, of 38 years; his children, Cheryl Cohen (David) and Grant Thomas (Kelly); grandchildren, Dylan, Jordan, Megan, Shelby, Nate and Cameron; adopted daughter, Lyni Patrum and her children David and Emily, as well as many nieces and nephews; his mother, Cecile; sisters, Roberta and Suzanne; brothers, Ernie and Ronnie; sisters-in-law, Marian Shimotsukasa and Marlene Mihalek; brother-on-law, Mike Shimotsukasa. A celebration of life is set to take place June 21, at 10:30 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, located at 1605 S. McCulloch Blvd. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the Calvary Building Fund. A reception to follow immediately at the church. He will be greatly missed by all.