Florida House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, released the following statement on the passing of former state representative Jim Tillman, who was the House Republican leader in 1972.

“With the passing of former Representative Jim Tillman, Florida lost a true public servant and a loving husband and father,” Cannon stated in the release.

“As the Republican leader in the House, Jim Tillman championed his party's ideals during an era of overwhelming Democrat control of the Legislature, and he earned the respect of his colleagues from both parties for his serious commitment to issues. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jim's family during this difficult time.”

Tillman, 77, died Monday in Tallahassee.

Tillman earned a bachelor of science degree in 1961 from Florida State University, worked for a few years as deputy sheriff in Leon County, and served in the Florida House from 1967 to 1974 representing Sarasota County.  He was minority whip from 1970 to 1972 and minority leader in 1972.

He would later serve as Sarasota County’s Cattleman’s Association director and Sarasota County Farm Bureau director.