James Howard Stilwell, Ph.D., 79, passed away on 8/17/22 after a hard battle with cancer.  He is survived by his wife Linda, children Alyssa (JR) Boseck and Jason (Jessica) Stilwell and grandchildren Jordan, Albrey, James, Nathan and Susan. 

He is preceded in death by his father James, mother Opal and brother Larry. 

He was born in the Fall of 1942 and raised in Olney, IL where he gained the nickname “Butch”, learned how to live in a right-handed world despite being left-handed and developed an unmatched skill in avoiding marching band practice.  It was also the place that helped ignite his passion in electronics that would lead to a career in engineering after tinkering with radios and components obtained from auctions, doing ham radio and getting his single engine pilot’s license.  After struggling with school early on, he went away to high school at Kentucky Military Institute, KMI, were he gained the life skill of self-discipline.  Afterwards, he went to Illinois University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.  During this time, he met the love of his life, Linda, in a summer typing class.  Soon after meeting, they got married on Sept 4, 1965.  They had just shy of 57 wonderful years together.

After being married, he started work at Texas Instruments in Richardson, Texas with a stint at JPL in California.  While working at TI, he got a Master’s degree in electrical engineering at Southern Methodist University, SMU.  After graduating, he desired to try a new challenge and go to a new part of the country which he thought would only be temporary.  This led him to Motorola in sunny Scottsdale, Arizona where he remained for the rest of his career of 37 blessed years.  He absolutely loved the work, coworkers who become good friends, city and weather.  It wasn’t long before he called Arizona home.  During this time, he furthered his education at Arizona State University, ASU, and completed his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering.  This prepared him for a very rich career in both the commercial and government electronics groups at Motorola. He made key contributions to many successful programs, received numerous patents along the way, and was a Scientific and Advisory Board Associates, SABA member.

Despite his passion for work, he found an even greater joy in life after starting a family.  In 1969, his first child and daughter Alyssa, was born bringing him great pleasure.   Several years later in 1977 his son, Jason was born in which he delightedly expressed, “you are just like me!”  Over the next couple of decades, his five grandchildren arrived completing his cherished family.  He loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren, taking trips, and spending time with friends.  He loved his brother, extended family and his visits to the Midwest and telling stories. He also enjoyed many hobbies including woodworking, welding, investing, gardening and “tinkering” on just about anything.  He loved the Lord and had one of the most unselfish, giving and caring hearts.  He had great compassion for those in need.  If you were around him, it would not take long see to how much he cared about others. James is missed by all of us, but his big heart will be remembered and will live on through all of us.

James’ celebration of life service held at Mountain View Funeral home in Mesa, AZ. 

Mountain View Funeral Home, Mesa, AZ