John Jackson “Jack” Tilton, 89, of San Mateo, passed from this life at his home on Friday, November 23, 2018 surrounded by his loving family at his side. Born in San Mateo to William Fritchiff Tilton and Mary Evelyn Solana Tilton, Jack was a native and lifelong resident of San Mateo. He served honorably in the Artillery Unit in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Jack was a 1948 graduate of Mellon High School where he was voted Most Athletic and served as the first President of the Palatka FFA Chapter in his junior year and again in his senior year. Jack was a lifelong rancher and turpentine and tree farmer. In 1989 he was named as Tree Farmer of the year for the Tree Farm System. Jack likewise served as President of the Putnam County Cattleman’s Association. Jack was a very dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and in the early 1990’s served as Bishop of the Palatka 2nd Ward. He had also served as Stake High Counselor and as an ordinance worker in the Orlando Temple. In his leisure time, Jack enjoyed watching Baseball and especially loved hunting and a good hound dog.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 5 brothers and 2 sisters.
Jack is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Shirley Kemp Tilton of San Mateo, 2 sons, J.J. Tilton (Ann) of San Mateo and Jim Tilton (Valerie) of Lake City, a sister, Edith Herrington of Palatka, 12 grandchildren, Jay Tilton (Sheri), Ashlie Hansford (Matt), Jacob Tilton (Dana), Jared Tilton (Natalie), Jordan Tilton (Jordan), Jed Tilton (Ashley), Joseph Tilton (Ashley), Joel Tilton (Devlin), Jackson Tilton, Addison Hill (Jake), Hunter Tilton and Carson Tilton (Cheyenne), 18 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Services will be at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Palatka with President Adam Herrington presiding and Bishop Johnny Counts conducting. Burial will follow at San Mateo Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 5-8 P.M. at Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Community Hospice and Pallative Care, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257 or to Rodeheaver Boys Ranch, 380 Boys Ranch Road, Palatka, FL 32177.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Jack’s Book of Memories page at www.johnsonoverturffunerals.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.

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