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James Gilmeister Obituary

James Gilmeister, formerly of Mesa Arizona passed away unexpectantly at the age of 66. He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley & Evelyn. He left behind his best friend and devoted wife of 47 years Anita, his children Jackie (Jeff) Milosch, Sue (Collin) Running and Jim (Shari) Gilmeister; also seven wonderful grandchildren Mindy, Tony, Kristen, Stephanie, Rebecca, Chandler and Kara; and one sister Bonnie Wanta. Known as "Gentleman Jim" in his early years, he played accordian and performed at weddings and special occassions. After retiring from Milwaukee Forge in 1995, Jim and Anita moved to Mesa, AZ where he started performing, known as "Jimmy Hookum", where he kept many people entertained until his death. He was a cherished husband and father and will be missed by all. The memorial service will be held Thursday Dec 20th at Sonoran Skies Mortuary,
5650 E. Main Street Mesa, AZ. Visitation at 11:00 w/service to follow.

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Dec. 16, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for James Gilmeister

20 Entries

Ken & Deanna Fetha

December 22, 2007

Dear Anita and Family. We are so sorry for your loss. Jim certainly did play that accordian so great and brought so much joy to so many people we have a record he recorded and we enjoy listening to his great music. He could play them polkas so great we enjoyed dancing to his music. When things settle down give us a call and we can maybe get together for lunch. Jim,You and your family will all be in our prayers. Take care Anita.
Our best to you and your family.
Ken & Deanna Fetha

Pete Byam

December 22, 2007

Dear Anita:
I just learned this evening of Jimmy's passing. I just don't know what to say, other than you have my most sincere sympathy. It was such a pleasure to get to know you and Jim. You are in our thoughts and prayers

Steve Meisner

December 18, 2007

My sincerest condolences to Jim's wife & family. I have many fond memories of Jim from my early years in the music business, he was truly a gentleman and always had a kind word for me. I admired his courage after his accident to continue in his love for music and entertainment. He is an inspiration and will be missed. I'm sorry I was unable to attend the funeral cerimony.

Kathy Jenders

December 15, 2007

I have many fond memories of hanging out with your family in the rec room of your house and the many weekends in Madison. Your Dad will be missed.

David & Julie Kangas

December 14, 2007

Our condolences to The Gilmeister Family.
At this difficult time may you find comfort in your memories.

Zylka Family Zylkas

December 14, 2007

Jim, Shari, Kristen, Chandler, and Kara- We are very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Megan Zylka

December 14, 2007

Coach Jim,Kara and family - sorry to hear about your dad. I will say a prayer for you and your family. I'm sorry! Megan.

Al Groves

December 14, 2007

Dear Anita,
Sorry to hear about Jim's Passing.
I'll always remember him.I'll say a prayer for him.
I live in Green Bay now with my son.my health is not so good. Formerly of Milwaukee,WI.
Al Groves

PATSY LUDWIG

December 13, 2007

ANITA, I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT JIM HE WAS A WONDERFUL MAN AND HUSBAND, MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AT THIS TIME OF SORROW
PATSY SUE LUDWIG

Rick & Pam Dahl The DoDahs

December 13, 2007

During our boating years in Racine, we were priveledged to hear Jim play many, many times. After his horrible accident, Jim bounced back in a week and attended the Pig Roast. We were all so shocked to see what a strong person he was. He will be surely missed, and we are all lucky to have wonderful memories of him. Our sympathy to Anita and thier family.

Ron & Barb Krainz

December 13, 2007

We were privileged to have known, Jim and Anita, not only musically but personally as well, both in Milwaukee, WI. and Mesa, AZ. Their love and caring of others should be an inspiration to us all. They were a team in every sense of the word. Jim will be greatly missed but he will now be praying for us. Our deepest sympathy and blessings to Anita and the Gilmeister family.

John & Bernice Johanneck

December 12, 2007

We were neighbors and GENTLEMAN JIM fans. won't forget new years eve at the Blue Canary. We knew Jim & Anita,and family for a long time and will be missed by all.

Kevin Salb

December 12, 2007

I am sorry for your loss. He was a good man and will be missed.

Jenny Schaper

December 12, 2007

Jim, Shari, Kristen, Chandler, and Kara- I am sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you guys

Jenny Schaper

December 12, 2007

Jim, Shari, Kristen, Chandler, and Kara- sorry to hear about you loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Linda Dwyer

December 12, 2007

I am so sorry for your loss. I have many great memories of your family, try remember the good times and don't forget to polka.

Craig Weber

December 12, 2007

We are very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughtsand prayers are with you.

Christina, Nicholas and Goose Weber

Jeff & Ranee Seaman

December 12, 2007

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Dave & Patty Stolowski

December 12, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.

Donna Orlikowski

December 12, 2007

Dear Anita and Family...I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing...What a great man he was...and what a great entertainer. He made lots of people happy with his music. I know he will be truely missed by all of you and his many followers. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. The world was a better place because he was in it. Take care and God Bless you all at this hard time.Donna (Carol and Larry's niece)

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