James Joseph Timlin, known to friends and family as “Jim,” passed away on July 5, 2025, at age 79. Born on June 25, 1946, in New York, N.Y., Jim lived a life marked by devotion to his family, a passion for knowledge, and a commitment to his field of chemical engineering. He left this world as he had lived in it, in New York City, after a brief illness.
Jim’s analytic and thoughtful mind was evident from an early age. He earned a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from New York University. This set the stage for a distinguished career, largely with Mobil Chemical, during which he spent four years working and living in Belgium and Luxembourg — a formative experience for him and his family. His career took him from Saudi Arabia to Thailand and back before it concluded with owning and operating Innovative Chemical in Buffalo, N.Y.
Beyond his professional achievements, Jim was a man of diverse interests. He loved to travel and experience cultures and cuisines from around the world. At home, he was an avid cook, keeping meticulous records of dishes, which were often inspired by his trips.
Jim was a loving husband to his wife, Barbara, with whom he shared a beautiful partnership. His children, Claire and Edward, will remember him as a guiding light and a source of unwavering support. His grandchildren, Conor, Alexandra, and Charlie will miss their grandfather’s gentle wisdom and humor. He is also survived by his beloved daughter-in-law, Lindsay Timlin, and son-in-law, Brian Moses.
Predeceased by his sister Patricia and his parents, James and Rita Timlin, Jim leaves behind a legacy of love and respect. His family takes comfort in knowing he lived a full and meaningful life, touching the hearts and minds of all who knew him. A memorial will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, July 17 at Graham Funeral Home, 1036 Boston Post Road in Rye. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Feeding Westchester Food Bank.
