James Philip Gill

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James Gill Obituary

Jim Gill lived his dream by building a career around what he loved - skiing. His family moved to Colorado Springs his senior year of high school and he developed a passion for skiing while a student at Western State College. After graduating from Colorado State University and serving in the Air Force, he returned to Colorado and started on the ski patrol at the Breckenridge Ski Resort. He worked his way to top leadership in the ski industry and said that the management and leadership skills he learned in the Air Force were key to his success. Jim was the eldest of six children of Bud and Anne Gill. Bud's Navy career took him all over the world, and Jim attended ten schools in twelve years. Jim believed that his exposure to people from all different walks of life and different parts of the world was a big plus. He was intuitive, calm, mountain casual and rugged. In addition to Breckenridge, Jim managed ski resorts in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Bitterroot, Montana. Most recently Jim was working with community leaders in Cuchara to re-open their ski resort. When not developing ski resorts, Jim loved to play golf, tennis, and mountain bike. Jim's daughters Jessica and Melissa were the light of his life. His eyes sparkled when he spoke of them and his voice filled with pride. He was a devoted father and exceptional coach and mentor to his daughters. He loved daily phone calls with his girls and was deeply supportive of their education and careers. Jim chose to retire in Colorado Springs because of his many trips here to visit his parents and siblings. He said that seeing Pikes Peak just felt right and he knew he had come home. Jim is survived by his daughters Jessica Gill of Portland, Oregon and Melissa Gill of Jackson, Wyoming. He is also survived by five siblings - Cathy Potts of Gruver, Texas, Mary Pieta of Aurora, Janet Suthers of Colorado Springs, Jane McGrath of Aurora, and Ben Gill of Arvada, as well as a host of in-laws, nieces and nephews. A memorial service for Jim will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 6th at St. Paul's Catholic Church, 9 El Pomar Road, Colorado Springs. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Jackson Hole Leadership Program. This program supports youth leadership training through outdoor activities. Contributions can be sent to Jackson Hole Leadership Program, P.O. Box 2631, Jackson, WY 83001.

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Published by The Gazette on Jul. 3, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for James Gill

8 Entries

James Clarkin

January 10, 2019

I just discovered this obituary. Jim and I served together in the 479th TFW at George AFB in CA before I shipped out to Vietnam. One Saturday, Jim and his new bride took me to the ski area in Wrightwood to teach me to ski. At the top of the mountain, Jim began to explain skiing to me. Being both cocky and impatient, I said, "Hell, Jim, I can do this. I've been watching that Jean Claude Killy guy on Wide World of Sports! All I have to do is put these skis together, crouch down and push off........" He was too late in his try to grab me and I went flying down the slope, immediately impressed with how fast I could travel on skis. Unfortunately, I realized too late that I had no idea how to change direction, slow down or stop. I had to use a tree trunk as a brake and got pretty busted up. Jim pulled up next to me as I lay in the snow, skiless, bleeding and laughing. Jim shook his head, opining that I was "one crazy Irishman". He was, as it turns out, very percipient. He was also a wonderful guy, very much the man described in his obituary. I wish that I had been able to see him once again before his passing. My very belated but very sincere condolences to the daughters and family of this very good man. I am so pleased to find out that he lived a full, successful and meaningful life.

Carrie Nee

July 17, 2011

Our deepest condolences to Jim's family and friends! We will miss him at Susie's Westside Cafe.

Marti (Whisenant) Friend

July 14, 2011

My deepest condolences to Ben Gill and his family.

Marybeth Snyder

July 7, 2011

Jim was a true leader and an excellent business manager. He valued every staff member no matter how small their role. Decades later I still remember how fun it was to be part of his team at Breckenridge. Bless his heart and his family too.

Craig Vukasin

July 6, 2011

You will be missed my friend. You were a pleasure to train and my favorite golf partner ever. I dont think anyone could ask for a better friend. It um long and strait up there!

Tim Hewitt

July 5, 2011

Ben, my thoughts are with you and your family at this time.

D P

July 4, 2011

Bringing World Cup Freestyle back to the United States took leadership and a willingness to buck industry feelings, but quickly led to Freestyle in the Calgary Olympics.

Again, you changed "skiing" in the US by helping lead Breckenridge to being the first major ski resort allowing snowboarding, which over the years soon led to nearly all other resorts following Breck's lead.

Most impactful for guests - and to success and growth - was your never ending willingness to listen to beloved guests and serve them - a lasting legacy - at Breckenridge, Jackson Hole and many other areas which followed your lead - even if they didn't know it was you.

May you find peace carving that heavenly powder. RIP Mr. Gill. Thanks for the good memories and quiet leadership.

Lois and Olan Adams

July 3, 2011

Jim, We learned so much from your gentle leadership. We'll miss you, but the lessons you taught will live on in Cuchara.

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