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James Willie Pillow, a cherished father and friend, renowned hairstylist, and proud Air Force veteran, transitioned peacefully, surrounded by his loving family and friends. His life was well-lived and deeply impactful, down to the final moments of this earthly journey. WCCO news feature: https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/video/james-pillow-day-celebrated-in-st-paul/
James was born in Columbia, Tennessee, to Charles Pillow Sr. and Helen Timmons in 1940. He spent over 50 years as a pillar of the St. Paul, MN community, touching countless lives with his warmth, wisdom, and unparalleled talent. His beauty shop, Royal Pillow Hair Designs, wasn't just a place for haircuts, the latest styles, and expertise in black haircare. He created a sanctuary where people found belonging, encouragement, laughter, and a listening ear. His profound passion for nurturing people extended well beyond the salon chair and often included a plate of his legendary smoked BBQ. James found some of his greatest peace while fishing and would jump at the chance to go to a local lake and put his pole in the water to see if the fish were biting.
James is survived by his children: Helen Pillow-Teasley, Bethany (Ron) Halloway, Nicole (Jacob) Johnson, Nastassia (Avi) Pavlov, Nicholas (Colette) Pavlov, Anthony Robinson, and Aaron May; his siblings: sister Ernestine Pointer, sister Jackie Pillow, brother Aaron Pillow; grandchildren; and nieces, nephews, and cousins who reside in Tennessee, Illinois, Georgia, Mississippi, and Indiana.
James is preceded in death by siblings Charles Pillow and Joanne Pillow.
The celebration of Legacy & Life for James Willie Pillow will be held Friday, July 26th, 2024. Service time will start at 10:00 AM. The visitation will be one hour prior to service time.
Location: Lyngblomsten Care Center (Chapel) Address: 1415 Almond Ave. St. Paul, MN 55108
The motorcade will depart at 11:30 for a burial service at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at 12:45. If you want to attend the burial service only, please contact the family at [email protected].
Acts of kindness were intrinsic to James's life. In place of flowers, please donate a meal to LOAVES AND FISHES. They provide healthy meals to Minnesotans in areas where the need is greatest. https://www.loavesandfishesmn.org/
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We Entrusted James Pillow's Care To
Spielman Mortuary
Spielman Mortuary has been helping Saint Paul families since 1950 when Kenneth and Helen Spielman purchased the National Funeral Home. For over 30 years, the couple lived above the funeral home and took just one vacation. They sold the home in 1984 to the Willwerscheid family. We still operate Spielman Mortuary with the same traditions of pride, sensitivity, value, and attention to detail that the Spielmans followed for over three decades....
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