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James Gilland Obituary

Jay, beloved husband, father and grandfather died in Colorado Springs on Sunday, June 15th, 2008. Jay was born on February 7th, 1923. Jay loved his family deeply. He is survived by his wife Mary H. Gilland (James), daughters Clara Brizal and Sherry Courtney of Colorado Springs, sons James Gilland Jr. of Colorado Springs, Nick Lyles of Memphis Tennessee, Gary Lyles of Scottsboro, Alabama, brother Charles Gilland, sisters Ivy Gile, Rosie Miller, Elly Jones of Colorado Springs and Carolyn Edwards of Denver, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by daughter Rita Cordova, brothers Eugene and Bobby Gilland and sister Marcella Gilland. Jay served in the U.S. Navy during the Second World War. He retired from Shepards McGraw Hill in 1987. Jay loved to fish and hunt with family and friends and was a member of the Trout Haven Resort. He was also an avid woodworker after his retirement. Jay loved people and he never met a stranger. He was always there to offer help to family, friends and his neighbors whom he loved dearly. His keen sense of humor and love of life were an inspiration to everyone who knew him. Jay will always remain in our hearts and we will cherish all of the wonderful memories he left us with. Private family services will be held.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Jun. 18, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries

Mary Moran

July 11, 2008

Grandpa,

I miss you so much everyday... You will always be in my heart. Thanks for all the great memories that you gave all of us. Kyle misses you going to all of his baseball and hockey games. Love you bunches, Mary, Tony and Kyle Moran

Bridget Turner

June 26, 2008

Grandpa,We miss you very much and love you so much Thanks for all the memories you gave us.Love you

Joanie Koss

June 22, 2008

I worked with Jay at Shepard's, and Jay was one person that kept you amused at work with his stories. Jay loved life, and he brought a positive atmoshere to where ever he went. Jay will be missed,

Beverly Book

June 20, 2008

I first met Jay when we both worked at Shepard's. (I worked in the office w/Chuck) Jay was such a great guy; whenever he would come in, he always had a joke to share with all of us there. He was a good man and everyone who knew him thought the world of him. I'm sure he's now up there in heaven entertaining the angels with all his funny stories!

I prayed for God's blessings to surround those of you in the family and give you peace - - things will never be quite the same without him there, keeping these going at family get-togethers.

Always remember in your heart the MANY great times you all spent together and speak of them often - -that will help to keep his memory alive.

Paul Jr. Brizal

June 18, 2008

Grandpa - I'm missing you terribly. All of the wonderful memories you left me with sure helps though! You made us grand kids laugh so often with your wit and love of life. I hope you and Roy are catching the big one on the golden pond - love Punky

Dave and Sue Aden

June 18, 2008

We will miss Jay stopping by just to say hi. He was a true friend and part of our family.

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