James Henry Tyler, civil engineer

Jim was raised in Salem, N.Y., and graduated from Salem Washington Academy. He returned to his hometown often and was looking forward to his 70th high school reunion next year. He studied civil engineering and played football at Union College. He continued his studies with a graduate degree from University of Missouri. He loved his work and served as president of the Syracuse chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Jim continued to use his expertise in retirement as chairman of the Dewey Beach infrastructure committee soon after retiring in Delaware until he stepped down last year.  

College opened up a life that Jim couldn’t imagine when he was growing up. After college, his work took him to Illinois, New Jersey, Delaware, and upstate New York. It was the time in Delaware that inspired him and his wife, Eleanor, to retire in Dewey Beach. They both enjoyed traveling and exploring all over North America and four other continents.  

Jim had a smile and friendly greeting for everyone in all that he did. He was a high school football referee for over 25 years. Jim was an avid hunter, loved the outdoors, and even spent a summer during college as a fire spotter in Umatilla National Forest in Oregon. He was a member of the Delaware Seaside Railroad Club. To honor his father Jim donated gallons of blood to the Red Cross over his lifetime.  

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Eleanor (Meitch) Tyler; his children, Cynthia (Tyler) Millen and Edward James Tyler; and his beloved grandchildren, Ruby Millen, Lexa Millen, Gideon James Tyler and Lorelei Tyler.

Jim’s final act of service was to donate his body for medical research. 

A private service will be held later this year. 

To honor him, make a donation to Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company or give a pint of blood.