James W. Stilwell; Cable TV Developer

James W. Stilwell, 77, a cable television developer who worked for Times Mirror Co. Born in St. Louis, Stilwell studied mechanical engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, N.J. He began his career in Philadelphia designing gas welding equipment, but in 1949 became interested in television and opened an appliance store. In the 1950s, he worked for several telecommunications companies as the number of cable systems multiplied. Stilwell, credited particularly with improving cable reception quality, was known for developing, establishing and franchising cable television systems across the country. He retired in 1985 as vice president of engineering research and development for the cable television division of Times Mirror Co., which publishes the Los Angeles Times. Until his death, Stilwell remained active on industry committees including the Federal Communications Commission and the Society of Cable Television Engineers. On Wednesday in Naperville, Ill.