James Edward Lilly, Sr. was born on December 20, 1924 in Philadelphia, PA. He was the oldest son of Isaac and Grace Lilly. At young age, his mother Grace passed away; he and his brother, William Lilly (affectionately known as "Bus") were raised by their father. James was educated in and graduated from Philadelphia Public School System.
Cherishing his memory are: his son Pastor James E Lilly, James E Lilly, Jr. and his wife Sandra Lilly; grandchildren, Sarita Rachelle Lilly, Stephanie Janelle Lilly Smith & her Husband, Cornelius Smith, Jr;brothers and Sisters-in-law,Frank & Mable Askew and thier family, Elizabeth Bates Sammons and her family, Mcdaniel Bates & his Family; a host of nieces and nephews who loved him as thier "Uncle Jimmy", many frineds and the church family of St. Matthews AME Church, Which he loved and Which dearly loved him too. We will miss him but we thank God for 95 years of a life well-lived and his new home of peace and rest in heaven!