James Victor GILMORE

James Victor Gilmore passed away July 15, 2025, in Spokane, WA. Father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, James was dearly loved and will always be remembered for his sharp wit, generosity, and fearlessness. He was a loving, supportive partner to his wife, Judith, for 39 years. James stayed by her side and cared for her with tenderness and devotion until her death in 2024.

Born in Wenatchee, WA on July 21, 1948, James lived a rich life full of adventure and travel. He was an avid reader and a life-long learner, a skilled builder and mechanic. He had an appreciation for unique items and offbeat places, old and new. He was never intimidated by the scope of a project. If an obstacle arose in his daily life, he would change his approach, modifying just about everything to suit his needs. James was never far from a strong cup of black coffee, a book, and a newspaper. He took copious notes, documenting the events of the day in his famously meticulous handwriting.

Early in his adult life, James joined together with a group of friends to buy land north of Kettle Falls, WA near the Columbia River. They lived and worked together, building several cabins and forging lifelong friendships. Being on this land was one of the things he loved most in life. Later, after he moved to Spokane, James continued to spend as much time there as he could, working on projects and visiting with neighbors and friends.

James was employed by the City of Spokane for 30 years, retiring as a foreman in the Street Department in 2014. More recently, James became an instructor for the PEPP program (Pre-Employment Preparation Program) in Spokane. He worked closely with labor unions teaching a pre-apprenticeship hands-on training course which focuses on helping students overcome barriers to employment, learn valuable skills, and earn certifications to improve their lives. James had a huge heart and was always ready to lend a hand. He volunteered countless hours in the Spokane area, quietly and unassumingly helping people build a better life for themselves.

James took great joy in spending time with his friends and family, especially sharing his insights, skills, and knowledge with his grandchildren. He never tired of learning about their interests, consistently encouraging, supporting, and participating in their endeavors. James was a friend you could count on for assistance and guidance. Always ready to jump in and help get a job done, he would also get excited about a friend's new idea, often returning to a previous conversation carrying a file folder full of printed research to share and discuss.

James' tenacity was inspiring, and his wisdom and gratitude at the end of his life was truly remarkable. Please join us to celebrate his life with storytelling and laughter, Saturday, August 23 at Shawn O'Donnell's, 719 North Monroe, Spokane WA. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to PEPP Spokane.