James John "Jay" Gilliss

James John "Jay" Gilliss, a cherished soul known for his dedication and compassionate heart, passed away on May 25, 2024 at Beverly Hospital, near Salem, Massachusetts where he called home. Born to William F. and Norma F. Gilliss on April 29, 1961, at Addison Gilbert Hospital in Gloucester, Massachusetts, Jay was humble, creative, sensitive, and realistic throughout his 63 years.
Jay is survived by his brothers Daniel Gilliss, his wife Vicki, Sean Gilliss, his wife Debbie, Ted Gilliss, his wife Tammy, Donald Gilliss, his wife Mary, and many beloved nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents William F. Gilliss and Norma F. Gilliss and brothers, Stephen Gilliss, Michael Gilliss, and William Gilliss II, and sister Dianne Gilliss.
Jay moved to Phoenix, Arizona at the age of 10 in 1971 with his parents, brother Don, and sister. While growing up, he was close with his good friends and neighbors Wayne and Jimmy Weigold, hanging out riding motorcycles and eventually partying.
Jay had many talents and was dedicated to his work. After attending high school at Moon Valley HS, Jay moved back to the East Coast and became a sword fisherman with his brother Sean. He also filled in doing carpentry work, drywall, and plastering to name a few things he worked on. He then welcomed the opportunity to work with another brother Michael at the Gloucester Cape Ann Marina working on repairs at the hotel, maintaining the pool and repairing and painting boats. He certainly was a jack of all trades! These skills landed him a job at the Hawthorne Hotel in Salem where he made a 22-year career as an Engineer Technician and eventually the Chief Engineer position for the hotel.
Jay was very passionate about his job and took great pride in his work and loved working for the hotel. He was very professional, meticulous, and devoted to his work, always giving 100%. He is respected and appreciated by both the people he worked with and worked for.
When not working, Jay enjoyed riding his Harley Fat Boy, sometimes traveling to Alton Bay Lakes, New Hampshire, to ride around in the mountains and relax. In his earlier years, he enjoyed taking his boat out and fishing on the Annisquam River. He loved the water. When he vacationed in Phoenix, Arizona, he enjoyed visiting family. Many times, while out visiting, he would rent a motorcycle and take a ride with his brothers Don, Ted, and friend Wayne traveling up to Northern Arizona. He also enjoyed camping, riding quads, and shooting guns for target practice. Jay loved the heat in Arizona and Florida, and you could find him laying out by the pool or laying out at the beach. At home, Jay's favorite TV shows were the Mecum Car Auctions and westerns.
Jay had several medical battles and we often called him the bionic man with surgeries for his shoulder, hip, and several back surgeries. Jay's final battle with lung cancer, was his toughest battle and he fought hard right up to the end with a positive attitude and sense of humor. We would like to thank the oncology medical staff at Beverly Hospital for their constant care throughout the duration of his illness and for keeping him comfortable during his passing. He passed with a lot of pride and dignity. He will be greatly missed by his family, dear friend Megan Campbell, and all who knew him. We love you Jay The Little Lion that Roared!
A Celebration of Life for James will be held in the Sophia Room at the Hawthorne Hotel, 18 Washington Square West, Salem, on Saturday, August 3rd, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Arrangements by Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly. Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.