Tom John (T.J.) Kilburn was born in Lutts, Tennessee on May 14, 1940, the son of the late Miley Russell and Cecile Rebecca Kelly Kilburn. On September 6, 2007 he was united in marriage to Joyce Ann Jackson, who survives.
Mr. Kilburn was a retired self-employed residential construction worker. In addition to this, he also had worked for Mangus Farms, Pepsi-Cola, Roth Plating, Lein Chemical, Kilburn Cleaning Company, Pepper's Imports, and Kilburn Construction. In addition to Lutts, Mr. Kilburn had also lived in South Bend, Indiana, Lakeville, Indiana, and Savannah, Tennessee.
Mr. Kilburn was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying both hunting and fishing. He also had a passion for playing billiards, and was crowned the 1977 BCA National 8-Ball Champion. He was a member of the Clifton Revival Center, in Clifton, Tennessee.
He departed this life at his residence, surrounded by family and friends, on February 5, 2015, at the age of 74 years, 8 months, and 22 Days.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons: Jeffrey Alan Kilburn of Hartland, Wisconsin; John Edward Kilburn of Westfield, Indiana; and James Earl Kilburn of Crump, Tennessee. One stepdaughter, Anita Ann Pfaehler of Florence, Kentucky. Three sisters: Emma Lois Beehler of Toledo, Ohio; Norma Rene Irvin of South Bend, Indiana; and Joyce Sue Childers of Lexington, Alabama. Three brothers: Charles Allen Kilburn of Osceola, Indiana; Miley Russell Kilburn, Jr. of Bethel Springs, Tennessee; and Leon Ray Kilburn of Savannah, Tennessee. Twelve grandchildren: Jackson, Grace, Hannah, James, Seraphine, Jacob, and Justin Kilburn; Britny and Jessica Burton; Danielle VanHook, Erica Rohlman, and Anthony Pfaehler; and three great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers: Clemon Kelly Kilburn, and Willie Paul Kilburn.