James E Gabriel

James Emil Gabriel (Jim), age 70, resident of Florence, passed away while visiting his daughter in Phoenix, Oregon on October 22nd, 2024 of congestive heart failure.
Jim was quite a character. He got along with everyone. He loved to make people laugh. He loved telling jokes. He also helped out anyone who needed it, in any way he could.
Born in 1954, Jim was the son of Alfred and Marlene Gabriel. He grew up in the Bay Area of California, and graduated from Marina High School Class of 1972. Jim became an entrepreneur and small business owner. In the mid 80s, he married his first wife, Gina who later gave birth to their daughter, Juliana. 2 years after that they moved to Reno, NV where he ran J Gabriel Construction and Painting, then later to Florence, where he met and married Gail. They owned Florence Hearth and Patio then Southside Choppers Motorcycle Shop.
Jim loved a good party and everything motorcycle related. He loved racing cars as a young man and playing baseball. He enjoyed traveling to Mexico and Hawaii with his wife and daughter. He also loved going to Indianapolis, Indiana for the Indy 500 race.
Jim loved spending time with his only daughter, Juliana LaBelle, her husband Mike LaBelle and his only granddaughter Adaline LaBelle. He enjoyed eating out with his wife, Gail Ericson-Gabriel at fancy restaurants. Family was very important to Jim.
He is preceded in death by his Father, Alfred Gabriel. He is survived by his Mother, Marlene Gabriel of Castro Valley, CA, his wife, Gail Ericson-Gabriel of Florence, Oregon, his daughter Juliana of Phoenix Oregon, his granddaughter Adaline of Phoenix, Oregon, his brother Chris Gabriel of Castro Valley, California, and his sister Michelle Reynolds of Pahrump, Nevada.
We would like to think he is up in heaven right now enjoying some tasty margaritas and Mexican food on the beach.
We will miss you and love you, forever and always. Until we meet again.
A celebration of life will be planned after the holidays. Please email Juliana at juliana_gabriel88@hotmail.com if you would like to pay your respects or get notified of the celebration of life party details.