Four-term legislator dies

SARASOTA — Four-term Florida state legislator Jim Tillman, a cowboy boot wearing Republican from Sarasota who rose to House minority leader, died July 4 in Tallahassee. Tillman, who had an extended illness, was 77.

Tillman was first elected to the House in 1967, when he was 32 years old. His district included parts of Charlotte, Hendry, Highlands, and Sarasota counties. He won three subsequent elections, and served as Minority Whip from 1970-1972 and Minority Leader from 1972-1974. Tillman worked as a lobbyist for several industries, including tourism, after he left the Legislature.

Tillman had a background in law enforcement when he entered the Legislature, a passion reflected in the bills he supported. For example, he co-sponsored and lobbied for the passage of the Myers Act, which provided a way for judges to sentence chronic alcoholics to detox centers instead of prison. He also led a reform effort of Florida's mental health laws, which gave more rights to psychiatric patients.

One particular piece of legislation brought Tillman some brief national notoriety: That was in 1971, when, as Republican House Leader, he guided legislation that reduced the crime of possessing five grams or less of marijuana to a misdemeanor. A story on that bill made the front page of the Wall Street Journal, according to his obituary published today in the Tallassee Democrat.

A native of Adel, Ga., Tillman moved with his family to Ocala when he was a young boy. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1953-1957, and then he enrolled at Florida State University.

His public service career began at FSU, when he was hired as a deputy sheriff for Leon County while still in college. He earned a degree in Criminal Justice and in 1961 he moved to Sarasota with his wife, where he took a job with the Sarasota County Juvenile Court.

Tillman's life outside politics revolved around his family and his farm in Sarasota, where he raised horses and cattle. Tillman, according to his obituary, was also a licensed pilot. He flew his Cherokee Six airplane to Republican fundraisers statewide.