James D. Gillis

FUNERAL HOME

Alfred D. Thomas Funeral Home

326 Granite Avenue

Milton, Massachusetts

James Gillis Obituary

James D. Gillis MILTON James D. Gillis, age 56, passed away peacefully at Golden Living Center - Norwood, on December 6, 2008. The devoted son of Ann T. (Tagan) Gillis of Milton and John L. Gillis & his wife, Joann of San Antonio, TX, he is survived by his loving brother & sisters; John F. X. Gillis of Quincy, Jeanne F. Gillis of TX, Linda G. Gentile of Medford & Andrew C. Gillis of WA. He was Uncle Jim to 4 nephews. Most recently a Milton resident, he was born in Boston and grew up in Quincy. Jimmy was a charter participant of the 1st Special Olympics and a winner of multiple Special Olympics Gold Medals. A longtime member of Boy Scouts of America Troop 51, earning the Order of the Arrow, he was the first individual with Down Syndrome to become an Assistant Scout Master in BSA history. He was a former employee of Stop & Shop and Papa Ginos, both in Wollaston and the Common Market, Quincy, and spent many years in the sheltered workshop of Work, Inc. in North Quincy. In addition to his lifelong participation in the Special Olympics, Jimmy's other athletic pursuits were softball and basketball for Till, Inc., including several seasons when they were the champs, and candlepin bowling for Saint Ann's Parish, Wollaston. He was also an avid sports fan, devoted to the Boston Red Sox, Bruins and Celtics and the New England Patriots, but his greatest passion was for WWE professional wrestling, which he watched regularly on television and attended on occasion. His hobbies were watching television, eating and making friends. His favorite show was "The Wizard of Oz," his favorite meal was lasagna and his friends are everywhere. A Funeral Service will be celebrated at the Alfred D. Thomas Funeral Home 326 Granite Ave., Milton, Wednesday at 9:30 AM. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday 4 to 8 PM. Interment in Milton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Work, Inc., 3 Arlington Street, Quincy, MA 02171 or SSARC, 371 River St., Weymouth, MA 02191. www.alfreddthomas.com Alfred D. Thomas Funeral Home Milton (617) -696-4200

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Published by The Patriot Ledger from Dec. 8 to Dec. 9, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for James Gillis

12 Entries

leny teixeira

December 10, 2008

dear miss gills ,

Im very sorry for your loss . please remember that we all loved jim ( he was such a wonderfull person to be around). the times we had shared with him will always be rememberd, and jim will always be with us in our hearts and memories .

Eric J Fano

December 10, 2008

I was in Troop 51 with Jimmy. I will always remember his smile and the good times we had with the Fuller Brothers. He was a good friend to all and I believe the world will be a sadder place without him in it.

Carolyn and Terry Todd

December 9, 2008

Ann, Jeanne, Jackie, Linda, John, Joann,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know how vibrant a person Jim was and how much you worked to ensure that he lived a full life. So many memories of dinners at your home and Jim being an ever-present force who engaged you in so many ways with his charm and enthusiasm. So many stories about how he was often first to break barriers for people with Down syndrome and pushed the envelope in gaining acceptance and becoming independent - and came up with a few surprises now and then that are part of family lore. Cherish the memories and the stories and how special he was. He is at peace now. I'm sure he knew how much you loved him.
Love to all
Carolyn and Terry Todd
State College PA

Ronnie White

December 9, 2008

Dear Mrs. G what can I say that will help ease the pain of your loss. The most important thing is that Jim is now at peace. I also know how many people he has touched in his short life time. Whenever I think of jimmy I see him break-dancing and spinning on his back and how much fun he was. If you ever need to talk just call.
Love Ronnie White

Tim Roche

December 9, 2008

Andrew, Linda & Jackie...
It's probably been 30 years since I saw Jimmy and any of you...He was a true inspiration for all of us...I have memories of him from growing up with the Highland ave crew and from many many years of scouting with him....even thogh it's been such a long period of time, it still feels like losing a brother...he was a great guy to have touched our lives....may he rest in peace...I'm sure he'll join the Fuller twins in heaven for an eternity of of fun and adventure in at summer camp...
peace brother.....Timbo

Alicia Morris

December 9, 2008

Jeanne, My sincere condolences to you and your family on your loss. May all the treasured memories you hold in your heart bring you comfort. Sounds like James led quite a remarkable life. May God's blessings be with you all.

Debbie Duron

December 9, 2008

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Billy Ketchen

December 9, 2008

Jimmy was the heart of our basketball and softball teams. We loved his smile, attitude and enthusiasm. Jimmy was always one of the first ones to show up at the field or gym regardless of inclement weather. He was given the nickname "The President" We will all miss him.

Bob Gormley

December 8, 2008

I have many memories of Jimmy and the Fuller Brothers in Troop 5. The many Scout shows doing the Native American dances and making authentic native costumes. He was a real good guy, I am sorry to hear of his passing.

Unfortunately I cannot make it to the funeral but I will always hold him fondly in my memories.

Bob Gormley
Eagle Scout
Troop 11 Quincy

Mike Whalen

December 8, 2008

May we all take courage in his memory. My thoughts are with Jame's family in this difficult time, with love and respect.

Bill Harrison

December 8, 2008

My condolences to my friend Jack Gillis on the passing of his brother and to the entire Gillis family.

Robert & Patrice Rodriguez

December 8, 2008

John, So sorry to read about your loss this morning. He sounds like a wonderful person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones.

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