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James Gillespie Obituary
As a younger man, he made many friends at Roanoke Catholic and at National Business College, where he met his bride-to-be. He was a quarterback on the football team in high school and was captain of his basketball team in high school and college. He served in the Virginia Army National Guard and was frequently recognized for his work ethic during his 30 years of service with IBM.
Visitation will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, August 7, 2009, at Oakey's South Chapel. Funeral services celebrating Jim's life will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday morning, August 8, 2009, at Our Lady of Nazareth Catholic Church followed by a reception in the Parish Hall. Burial will follow at St. Andrew's Cemetery. Jim's unwavering faith, humor, compassion and kind spirit touched many.
Instead of flowers, the family requests contributions to the RAM House, 824 Campbell Ave. S.W., Roanoke, Va. 24016 or to the Mary Gillespie Hardie Scholarship Fund, Roanoke Catholic School, 621 N. Jefferson St., Roanoke, Va. 24016-1416. Family and friends are also invited to write and send a fond memory of Jim to be included in a book for his grandchildren at P.O. Box 21284, Roanoke, Va. 24018. Arrangements by Oakey's South Chapel, 540-989-3131.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Gillespie
Annette
July 31, 2023
I wore one of your golfing hats to pick sunflowers at Angela´s - We think of you always & miss you beyond measure
Madison
May 9, 2020
Ive been thinking about you a lot recently. I miss you. Sometimes its hard to be positive about what life brings my way, but I try to think of you and what you would do. Your kind heart is what inspires me every day. I look forward to reuniting one day. I love you more!
DeeDaddy, MeMaw & their grandchildren
Annette
September 14, 2010
We have thought much about you on your 70th birthday. Mom and Angela volunteered at the RAM House today, serving up cake and ice cream. At our home, Madison & Kaylen released a "Happy Birthday" balloon with all of our lipstick kisses sent to you in Heaven with all our love. They also wanted to eat cake and ice cream in your honor, so we did. You are missed greatly by everyone, and we thank you for being such an inspiration to us all to live better lives.
Sis
August 16, 2010
Have any of you ever known a kinder more caring person in your life than Jimmy. Even when growing up he was sweet, kind and had all the qualities that made him an exceptional individual. We miss him so much....I talk to him and pray to him. I know he looks down on all of us and is still trying to help someone in their daily struggles. That is what Jim was all about. Love to you, St. Jim.
August 13, 2010
I guess my fondest memories of my brother Jimmy were the wonderful times we had when we were kids. Going to chop down a Christmas tree, skunk hunting on summer nights (too often we found them), playing baseball with the kids in the neighborhood, tagging along whenever he and Lena went out to football and basketball games,taking Lena and me to the summer tennis court hops, and driving at least 10 people home from school in that old green mercury (?). What a wonderful time we all had together. He was such a sweet and gentle person with not a selfish or mean bone in his body. Words can't express how much he is missed or was loved by everyone who knew him. Jimmy, I hope you're playing golf in heaven and getting a hole in one on every round. Love you and thanks for being such a great brother. Sara (Bugsie)
L. Perkins
August 6, 2010
Dear Nancy, Annette, Angela, and families, What a treasure Jim was! How very fortunate you all were to have him as husband, daddy, and granddaddy. He lived his life in such a positive manner, always looking on the bright side. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to know him and all of you.Thank you all for being such a loving family, all willing to support and reach out to others. Jim was kindness personified. His Christianity shone for all to see and benefit from.Hopefully we can emulate that loving kindness in remembrance of him.
Our family :)
Annette
August 5, 2010
We are so very thankful that Madison and Kaylen got to know and truly love their "DeeDaddy" and still talk about you often. As for me, I was blessed to have the best Dad in the world and appreciate still hearing all the wonderful stories about how you have affected the lives of others. Sending hugs and kisses to you this day and every day!
Kaylen, "DeeDaddy" and Madison
August 5, 2010
Rene & Di Gagnier
August 5, 2010
"Life is eternal and love is immortal: and death is only a horizon; and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight." Anon.
Jim,
Thank you for your example of faith, love of family, sense of humor and strenghth in challenges. Your gift of friendship was such a blessing and your legacy lives on in the lives of your family and friends. With love,
August 5, 2010
August 5,2010
Looking around at family and friends breaking bread together after the anniversary Mass for Jim, I was reminded once again of his incredible legacy, the legacy of a life rooted and grounded in love; remembering that is better than an hallelujah...sometimes!
Dick & Barbara Surrusco
Annette
June 20, 2010
For so many of us, you were the sunshine in our lives. Even in the face of challenges and uncertainty, your light, warmth and faith shone through to everyone around. Like the sunflowers in your hospital room last summer, a bouquet in remembrance of Father's Day brings a soft smile. You are missed today and every day. Much love always...
Annette
May 1, 2010
Lighting a candle May 1, 2010, which marks 45 years ago today when you married Mom. We all love you and miss you so much.
Annette
February 14, 2010
Dad - It's Valentine's Day and your family misses you very much. Your grandchildren, as do the rest of us, hold you very close to their hearts. Sending much love to you in Heaven this day and every day. xoxoxoxo
Kristen (Gliniecki) Yeatts
August 23, 2009
I met Jim at a confirmation retreat weekend a few years back. We were both sponsoring young Catholics on their quest to confirm their faith. We, along with our youth candidates, formed a tight group and shared many personal reflections. Soon after I introduced him to my then boyfriend, now husband, Chad and it stuck from there. It wasn't until after a breakfast with his wife and close friends that Chad and I realized Jim and Nancy were church friends with Chad's parents. I will never forget the smile he wore on his face or the sincere interest he had in my happiness.
Happy that he is pain free and looking down on all of us.
Nancy, we love you!
God Bless.
Janice Cassell
August 17, 2009
I just learned of Jim's death during mass at St. Andrew's. I always thought that Jim was such a wonderful person; very quiet and unassuming, but full of life. My heart goes out to all of the Gillespie family for the loss of such a special member of their family.
Michelle Smith
August 13, 2009
I work with Jim and it has been a great privilege, he will be missed.
Vernon Dudley
August 10, 2009
Jim and I were classmates at Roanoke Catholic. I am very proud to have know and loved him. He was to me at school, what kept me going as he showed me friendship when I had no friends black or white during our High School Years. Jimmy Jimmy, he's my man. See you at the gate to Heaven. Love always and many thanks for your friendship. Vernon
April Lauter
August 9, 2009
Although I knew Mr.G a very brief time, please know that he has taught me to be a better person,it was fate(although tragic in ending) that has brought the Gillespie family to me.He will be dearly missed,and the lessons learned by me from all of his family will be carried on. Jim will always be my Superman. Nancy, Annette,Angela& family with all my love I wish the Lord to be with you.You will be in my prayers and heart,always.
Marvin Foster
August 9, 2009
I had the privilege of working with Jim for more than twenty years at IBM. He was a true gentlemen and probably the most easy going and calm person I ever met. I never saw him lose his temper or get really upset with anyone. He truly "served" those who depended on him as a part of our work life and was a real friend to all of us. If we could take a poll of the most loved and respected people working at IBM-Roanoke, I believe Jim would win by a landslide.
I know the past few years have been tough for him and you all. I pray that you will find comfort in knowing his suffering is over and in the strong faith that he and all of you have demonstrated during these difficult times.
May God comfort you in the days ahead.
Larry Craig
August 9, 2009
Nancy, I still remember how fond my parents were of you,Jim and the girls. Even after moving to Florida they talked about you often and I know that your family helped make Roanoke one of their favorite homes.I am so sorry for your loss.
Bob Borowski
August 8, 2009
Nancy, You might not remember me, We knew each other back in the 70's. I remember both of you from our church group from Our Lady of Nazareth Catholic Church.
And the services we had at our house in Troutville. I admired Jim, sorry to hear he has left us. Please accept my condolences.
Bob
Cheryl Spencer
August 7, 2009
Dear Nancy, it was so sad hearing about the loss of Jim. I'm so glad that when I was home in March I was able to get a hug, see his smile and to hear him tell me stories that made me laugh. He truly was a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dick Hammerstrom
August 7, 2009
An exemplary guy from a wonderful family is gone...
The world is a lesser place...
Gary (Gus) Carter
August 7, 2009
Dear Nancy, I am sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I played basketball with Jim at National Business College. Jim was a great person and I considered him a friend.
Ann Hall
August 7, 2009
Upon arriving home from being on vacation two months the first message I listened to informed me of Jim's death. My first thought was of his family and how they would miss him, but my second thought was that he's residing with our Savior now and pain free. Praise the Lord. I worked with Jim for many years at IBM and always enjoyed him so much. What a wonderful person he was. My condolences to all the family.
Sam Assaid
August 7, 2009
Dear Nancy, I am so sorry to hear about Jim's passing. He was a wonderful person and friend at RCH. I spent many a Sunday afternoon at the Gillespie front yard playing ball and eating cookies. I last saw Jim at the reunion a couple of years ago. He was truly a memorable person in my life.
August 7, 2009
I feel so honored to have known Jimmy and all the Gillespie family. My thought and prayers are with you all.
Love, Toni
Jessica Hughes
August 7, 2009
Nancy,
You and Jim have always been such a big part of me and my family's life. I will never forget Jim's sweet and loving demeanor. I would always find myself smiling when talking to Jim because he had such a positive and comforting sense about him. I am so very sorry for your loss! I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers! God bless and I am sending much love to you, Annette & Angela.
Rea Brown
August 7, 2009
I am sure I speak for my brother, Travis, and sister, Dora Kay, that we have lost a "brother" in Jim Gillespie's passing. Thank you, Jim, for your constant standard of caring, consideration and courtesy. You were one of a kind. We will miss you. God Bless the Gillespie Family.
Susie Overstreet
August 7, 2009
Alice & Michael,
I am sorry for your loss. If there is anything that I can do, please let me know.
Susie Overstreet
Stephanie Walters
August 7, 2009
Jim will be so missed, not only as one of our UPS family, but for the wonderful person he was. Our phone calls were always the highlight of my work day and so uplifting. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with your family.
Diana (Bishop) Hodson
August 7, 2009
Nancy,
I was so sad to hear of the news. I loved coming by and spending time with 2 fascinating people. You and Dee daddy were always educating my grandchildren. (Cameron Ella & Landon) I wish I could have spent more time with you.
I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. He will be greatly missed.
Richard Dudley
August 7, 2009
May our Heavenly Father bestow His peace and blessings on all of Gillespie family and to those who shared in the making of so many good memories with Jim. He was a unique friend at St. Andrew's/Roanoke Catholic at a time when some friendships were not fashionable. He was a caring, giving co-worker at IBM for years and my friend for life. With my brothers, Vernon and Thomas, I pray that his Heavenly reward awaits such an outstanding example of a life well lived. Go in peace.
Charlotte Thornhill
August 7, 2009
Dear Nancy, I am sorry for your loss of Jimmy. I used to wait on you at Fam A's every Sunday morning and you were both so sweet and pleasant. I know you will miss him terribly. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Cindy Bailey
August 7, 2009
I met Jim about 20 or so years ago. I had a small biscuit shop (MC'S) down on the market and Jim used to come eat chicken salad sandwiches quite often. He came in the afternoon and would read the paper and chat with us. He was so funny!I've never met anyone that had such a unique spirit as Jim did. He was everything good and pure.I hadn't seen him for some time now but I've never forgotten his spirit. I KNOW his family and loved ones will miss him. If ever there will be an angel watching over you, it will be him.
Sooo, sooo, sorry.
jacob grissom (ups-scs)
August 7, 2009
nancy and gillespie family
my condolences and sorrow for your loss
it was a distinct honor of my life learning from and working with jim he will forever be remembered by those blessed to have known him.jim spoke frequently of the love and pride he had for his family .
Margie Crotts
August 7, 2009
Dear Nancy,
I am so sorry to hear of Jimmy's passing. He was very dear to everyone and was a very special godfather to Mark & Sarah. You & all the family are in my prayers.
Judy Kerns (IBM)
August 7, 2009
What a pleasure it was to have known Jim though IBM and UPS. His always pleasant smile and great wit were a treasure. I am very sorry for your loss. You are in my thought and prayers.
Elaine & Bill Murdock
August 7, 2009
We are so sorry to hear that Jim has passed away. We have read of his progress and of his struggles these past few months thru the emails forwarded to us through the 'IBM Network'. Bill was glad to see him at the the last luncheon he attended, and spoke with him briefly. Bill has always spoken so fondly of times that he worked with Jim in Roanoke, and what a great guy he was.
May the love of family and friends sustain you during the coming days, until you are reunited with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
August 7, 2009
My sincere condolences to the family.Mr Gillespie was a true gentleman, and I remember fondly when he coached me in the saturday morning basketball league at roanoke catholic in the late 70's. At church we always talked uva sports. He will be missed.
Jeff Willard
Roanoke, Va
Paua & Larry Etzler
August 6, 2009
Nancy, Annette and Angela,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Jimmy was one of the best!! Sunday breakfast will not be the same but you know that he is enjoying the new 'garf' course!
God bless you all
Mark Gillespie
August 6, 2009
I am so sorry to here of Mr. Gillespie's passing. Both as a child and as an adult, he and his wife always treated me like family. Sadly, I never took the time to thank him.
August 6, 2009
Mrs. Gillespie,
I was truely sad to receive the message that Mr. Gillespie had passed. I feel honored to have had the opportunity to meet you both. He was such a strong and positive man. How lucky he was to have you as a wife and care giver. May you and your family find comfort and peace in the in knowing that he is out of pain and can eat what ever he wishes! God Bless.
Elizabeth Offermann, RD ( CRMH dietitian)
Janet Payne
August 6, 2009
Dear Nancy, Annette, and Angela, Jim will remain such a warm light in our family. With that constant beautiful and gentle smile no one would ever know how much pain he endured. His concern was always for others.
A true gentleman who made our family so much richer and loving. My love and thoughts, Janet
NANCY FLOWERS
August 6, 2009
UPS-SCS ROANOKE OFFICE
JIM WAS NOT JUST OUR CO-WORKER HE WAS A DEAR FRIEND TO EACH OF US.HIS GREAT
SMILE AND QUICK WIT WILL BE MISSED.
MAY GOD BLESS YOU IN YOUR TIME OF SORROW,PLEASE KNOW WE ARE THINKING OF YOU AND YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS,WE ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
Jacob Grissom
August 6, 2009
Jim was a wonderful person. He will be missed by myself and so many at UPS.
He was a great person and so good to everyone.
J Grissom
August 6, 2009
I am so sorry to hear about Jim. I cant say I have met anyone with such kindness, care,spirit, and intelligence as Jim had. I would call and talk to Jacob at UPS and Jim would answer the phone...UPS...Jim Gillespie...I would say Jim, How are you? and we would talk for a while about economy, job,Jacob and his illness. I said Jim, Why don't you try John Hopkins Hospital and he would say I have faith in my doctor. I truly believe Jim thought this was going to all be ok. I think we all thought that. I was shocked when Jacob told me the news. I know everyone will miss him so much. I have never heard him ever say a cross word to anyone and had a humor and a smile to remember and such a sweet person we will never forget.I never want to forget his kindness to Jacob and the times he would be there if he or someone needed something or just a person to talk to and give him an opinion. Losing Jim has really hurt Jacob and he will be hard to replace at UPS.. Thank you Jim for everything.... To his wife that he talked of taking such good care of him, I am sorry you had to loose such a good person in your life. Jim will be at heavens door waiting on all of you. My sympathy is now with all his family and we are all thinking of you.
John 3:16
Joyce Grissom, Jacob Grissom,Joe Grissom, Joseph Grissom, Scarlett Grissom and family
Dick Pennock
August 6, 2009
Nancy and family -
I'm so sorry about Jim. I just heard from a mutual friend recently that Jim had been ill. Please know that my thoughts and sympathies are with you.
Mary Anne Huff
August 6, 2009
Oh my, no more being able to rag on him about coming to 5 o'clock at St. Gerards so he could get in his golf game. No more being able to bad mouth him about his "Dr. Spock ear". Known all of the Gillespies since we were kids....seems like yesterday. Thinking of you all.
Mary Anne (Anderson)Huff
tony ellis
August 6, 2009
my sympathy to the Gillespie family. Jimmy was a wonderful guy and a great person to talk to.i have known jimmy most of my adult life but had not seen him since last October. his smile will be truly missed.
Phillip Dula
August 6, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Mickey Strayer
August 6, 2009
Dear Nancy and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Jim's passing. I know that this is a hard time for all of you. I just know that you and Jim had a beautiful loving family. Jim leaves a wonderful legacy behind.
May God be with you!
Mickey Strayer
Ron B. Fisher
August 6, 2009
What a pleasure it was to have known Jim through IBM. His wonderful sense of humor, quick wit and amazing memory were a source of joy every day. May the love of God shelter and protect his family during this time of sorrow.
The Laughlin Family
August 6, 2009
Nancy & Family,
We were so sorry to hear about Jim. We know that he will be sadly missed by you and your family and many other relatives and friends. It's for sure that he is in a good place now with no more suffering and pain. Our prayers are with you all.
Fran Szechenyi
August 6, 2009
Buggy, my prayers are with you. Love Fran
Dr. & Mrs. Rick Mowles
August 6, 2009
Dear Nancy,
We wanted to express our sympathy and condolescences in this time of loss. If there is anything we can do, just let us know.
With warmest regards,
Dr.& Mrs. Rick Mowles
55 Sautter Lane
Townsend, Montana 59644
REGINIA "CHUCK" WILLS (UPS-SCS)
August 6, 2009
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, JIM WAS SUCH A WONDERFUL MAN..A WONDERFUL SMILE & A KIND SOUL, HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED AT OUR ROANOKE OFICE FOR UPS-SCS..IT HAS NOT BEEN THE SAME WITH-OUT HIM. MY THOUGHT'S & PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL. GOD BLESS
Shireen & Merl Merritt
August 6, 2009
Nancy, Annette, Angela & families...we are just heart sick; we are so very sorry. We already miss him terribly but can see that sweet face and know the Lord is celebrating with Jim's arrival! God will stay close and get you thru.. Shireen & Merl
Shelby Parker
August 6, 2009
Jim was a wonderful person. I treasure
the time we worked together at IBM.
August 6, 2009
Nancy, Annette, and Angela: We will miss Jim along with you- the many years that we lived near your family are fond ones. Jim's jokes, gags,and love for us all made our time there much more special. It doesn't seem possible that our "Prune Face Guppy" is gone. Our love and sympathy are with you. Bill, Tina, Trent and Tiffany Mason
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