Jim Tilmon (Finding Aid)

Jim Tilmon

1934 -

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Food: Sea bass

Favorite Time of Year: Summer

Favorite Vacation Spot: Arizona

Interview Length: 86 minutes

Interview Date(s): January 28, 2003

Interview Location(s): Chicago, Illinois

Abstract

Pilot and television personality James Tilmon describes his family background and recalls memories from his childhood growing up in Oklahoma. Tilmon talks about his parents, both of whom were educators, and tells of the discrimination they faced when schools in Oklahoma were integrated. Tilmon also discusses his childhood interest in aviation, and his ambition to become an airline pilot. Pilot and television personality James Tilmon recalls his childhood growing up in Oklahoma, describing the African American community in Boley, Oklahoma, his experiences with the Native American community, and his best friend from childhood. Tilmon then details the beginnings of his lifelong obsession with aviation, starting out by drawing airplanes while in school. Tilmon skips forward in his chronology, telling how he became a mentor to aspiring African American pilots. Pilot and television personality James Tilmon details his high school experience in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, focusing particularly on his extracurricular activities. Tilmon tells of his enrollment at Howard University, where he excelled in the chemistry department. Tilmon then discusses his subsequent transfer to Tennessee State University, and explains why he changed majors from chemistry to music. From there, Tilmon describes his service in the U.S. Air Force, explaining how he overcame discrimination and racism to become a pilot and an officer.

23 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)