James C. Lilly
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James Charles Lilly Jim went home to Heaven, peacefully on April 12, 2023 at the age of 86. Jim was born in Toronto, Canada on November 18, 1936. He lived in Toronto, Canada until he was 15 years old. He and his mother and father moved to Rochester, New York where he continued to live in his family’s home for the rest of his life. He married Phyllis Church on October 12, 1957 at Bethany Presbyterian Church, in Rochester, New York. Jim was a retired Rochester City Police Officer and took pride in serving his community. He was an active member of First Bible Baptist Church since 1970 and served as a Deacon and faithful member. One of his fondest church memories was a mission’s trip to Inuvik, NWT to help build a Church in the Artic. Predeceased by his parents, Charles and Margaret, and his wife Phyllis. Survived by his children, Karen (Gregg) Carpenter, Kevin (Lanette) Lilly, Kim (Keith) Russell; grandchildren, Kendra (Peter) Steele, Ali Carpenter, Scott (Jennifer) Lilly, Meagan (Nathan) Rhodes, Joshua (Stef) Lilly, Cayla (Kevin) Craig, Alex (Caitlin) Russell, Adam Russell, Christie Russell and 8 great grandchildren and extended family and friends. Jim had a fun loving spirit with a great sense of humor who loved his family and enjoyed the prayer and fellowship of the Saturday morning men’s prayer group. He will be remembered for his thoughtfulness by faithfully sending out cards for all special occasions. Jim was known for his faith and love of the Lord and family and his ability to make people smile and laugh. He will be greatly missed by all who came in contact with him and we will miss his infectious smile. Family would like to thank pastor Mike Metzger for all the years of support along with others who checked in on him throughout the years. We also want to thank the Palliative Care Unit of Strong Memorial Hospital for their thoughtful and compassionate care. Jim’s celebration of life will be held on Friday, April 21, 2023 at 11:00 am followed by a visiting hour with the family and a potato bar at 12:00 pm at First Bible Baptist Church, 990 Manitou Road, Hilton, New York 14468. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his name to the Open Door Mission or a Missionary Outreach at First Bible Baptist Church.
Great man of GOD!!!
Jim Lily was one of the sweetest and kindest men we have ever met. He and Phyllis sat behind us in church for many many years, even when we switched buildings. When Dana was born Jim would make faces at her as I was trying to keep her still during services , and as soon as she could walk she would go as fast as her little legs could carry her and jump into his arms (ready or not). She continued to do that every Sunday until she didn’t fit in his lap anymore. He would still be one of the first people she and the boys would look for when they got to church. Jim, knowing we lived quite aways from church, and I suspect wanting to make sure this Northstar family was taken care of, often slipped some money in Doug’s hand on a Sunday morning and told him to take his family out to breakfast. He always had a smile and was always eager to hear about our family and always proud to share what was going on in his family. When covid separated us and his health began to fail we didn’t see each other, but tried to connect with him by phone. We will miss him dearly.
The Association of Rochester Police and Area Law Enforcement Retirees (ARPALER) sends condolences and prayers to the family of Officer Jim Lilly, and we salute him for his service to his community. Rest in peace Brother.
To the Lilly family Jim and I worked together for many years at RPD. He was always friendly and there to offer any help anyone needed. I will always have fond memories of Jim. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless Terry Tydings Retired RPD
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My thoughts and prayers for Jim and his family
Jim was one of the kindest, generous people I have ever met. When I went to work for RPD he was a great co-worker who willingly shared stories and tips on how to do the work and find joy in the work we were doing. He loved his family and took great pride in their accomplishments. I pray that all who loved Jim will find peace in their grief and will rejoice that he has gone home to our Lord. Thinking of all of you and thanking God for allowing us to be friends, Judy Tripp-Neu RPD Retired
I am so glad I called Jim, just over a month ago…We had a great chat, and our usual laughs. He is one of those guys, that made you day better just spending time with him. Lots of great memories between us. His family really was the best, and they cared and loved him deeply. I am so sorry to hear of this. I can only wish the best to all of the family, who I know must really struggling with this loss. He was one of the best at RPD…and had everybody laughing….Salute to you Jim………………..Ray Harkness