James T. Gillespie, Jr.

James Totman Gillespie, Jr. age 85, of Erie passed away on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. He was born on February 13, 1939. 

Jim is survived by his wife Shirley, and over the 45 years of their marriage they did nearly everything together, enjoying a very special bond. Shirley truly was the apple of Jim’s eye. He loved her with his whole heart and he demonstrated that proudly all the time. 

He had many passions, especially loving to discuss and play his favorite tunes on his electric organ. Uncle Jimmy, as we endearingly called him, loved puppets (Howdy Doody being very memorable), bicycles, model railroading, practicing to be a radio news/sports announcer, and especially a love of singing - his 45 rpm record collection was just amazing. Early memories of his life. He really got into whatever he was doing, taking it to the nth degree. Yes, Jim was fun to be around. Jim really had something to teach us and he is a certain idol to his nephews and nieces. We learned that life is not so much about what you say but what you do, and he had fun in everything he did. 

Jim was a longtime employee at the Barber National Institute in Erie, working in the workshop on many projects during his career of over 50 years. He was well known and appreciated for his work ethic and especially that cheerful attitude, laughter and joy, which affected nearly everyone he met. The Barber National Institute was a mainstay in Jim’s life for more than a half century, and it would be impossible to overstate the quality of care and broader ‘family’ support that he received over the course of his life. Gratitude and respect! Thank you so much.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents James Totman Gillespie MD and Marion Buelens (nee Saurborn) Gillespie, and sisters Virginia Hall and Shirley Sandstrom. In addition to his wife Shirley, he is survived by his sister Barbara Boyle of Erie, and nieces and nephews: Carolyn Hall of Sacramento CA, Greg Hall of Los Angeles CA, Cathy Boyle of Chambersburg PA, Bruce (Sharina) Boyle of Wichita KS, Patrick Boyle of Wichita KS, Paul Eric Sandstrom (Thillai) of Gerrardstown WV, John Sandstrom (Sabine) of West Chester PA, Robert Mark Sandstrom of Erie, Kristin Schreel (Christopher) of Kettering OH, and many grand-nieces and nephews. 

Friends may call at the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services, Downton, 602 West 10th St. on Sunday September 8, 2024 from 1:00 until 4:00 pm.. Jim’s life will be celebrated at the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 250 W.7th St., Erie on Monday, September 9, 2024 at 10:00 am followed by burial in Erie Cemetery. 

Send condolences to www.BurtonQuinnScott.com