James M. Gilligan
June 27, 1926 ~ June 17, 2012
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
James M. Gilligan, 85, passed away June 17, 2012. Survived by his son, James T. (Kathy) Gilligan of Pueblo; grandchildren, Kenneth J. (Melissa) Kelley, Kristin Rau, Matthew (Melinda) Kelley, Janet (Race) Chenoweth, Nikol Kelley, Sally (Ralph) Wilson; numerous great-grandchildren; beloved companion, Lucille Rike; special friends, Nancy LeBlanc, Carol Pfeifer and Shawn Headrick; and dogs, Brandy and Sandy. Preceded in death by his wife, Adah Mae Gilligan; and grandson, Michael Kelley. Special thank you to Luke Inman for his kindness and support.
James was born June 27, 1926, in Walsenburg to James E. and Fern Gilligan. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He graduated from Centennial High School, class of '44, and Southern Methodist University in Dallas. He worked as a personnel manager at Alpha Beta Packing.
Service, 2 p.m. Saturday, June 23, 2012, in the Montgomery & Steward Chapel. Military honors by Pueblo Veterans' Ritual Team and interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Memorials may be made to PAWS for Life through Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors, 1317 N. Main St., Pueblo, CO 81003. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com
It has been 8 years and your missed as much now as then. You were such a good man and an excellent example for your son. I miss you Jim. We love you.
Kathy
Dear Jimmy and Family,
Today is a sad day for all… As I was growing up I so enjoyed both
your Mom and Dad. They were a great part of my life and I know how
much you will miss you Dad… My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely, Charlotte
Jim,
I had planned on coming today but it looks like that is not going to happen. I know this is a hugh loss for you and Kathy and we can feel your pain. Although I really didn’t know your dad well I know he was a great and kind person by looking at the son he raised.
You and Kathy are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lou
As a teenager, you put up with me and my wild ways and didn’t yell at us…..often. As your daughter-in-law, you always gave me guidance and encouragement. I will miss talking and laughing with you. All my love to you
I was blessed to know Jim. He fought such a tough battle with his health. He wanted to remain independent and be home with his doggies. He was always so vital and informed about local and national news. If I had any questions, I would call and get his opinion. He especially kept me informed on football. I will miss talking to him. My sincere condolences to Jim and Kathy and all of Jim’s family.
I appreciate the kindness and respect that Mr. Gilligan offered me growing up. I would go hang out with Jim and Mr. Gilligan always greeted me with a smile and a kind word. If everyone were like Mr. Gilligan it would be a much better world.
Mike Jimenez
It was truely my honor to have known Grandpa Jim. He was one of the few men left that embodied the full package of a “John Wayne” type of man with a heart of gold. I will always remember his laugh, smile, our fellowship, the great impact he had on my husbandand and his yummy food.
Grandpa Jim- thank you for saying “that she is a keeper”. I love you and will miss you!
With All My love,
Missy Kelley
(Mrs. Ken Kelley)
My dear wonderful Jim. You left us on Father’s Day to be with your Father in Heaven and left behind all of us who knew you. We were all so blessed to have you in our lives. I was the lucky one to get to know you and have you in my life. I will live with the many, many memories of the good times we shared. My life won’t be the same without you.
Mr. Gilligan was one of the nicest men I’ve ever met. My sister Kathy and I would hang out in the basement of his house with his son, Jim, and he never got mad about the noise we made. He never made an issue about anything else that was going on. He put up with the loud music, and us coming and going late. Jim had a great relationship with him, and Mr. Gilligan loved Kathy like a daughter. He gave me my first big job, at Alpha Beta, and I’ll forever be grateful, and for the good treatment every time we visited him in his home in Pueblo later on in life after he retired. Just a class act. They just don’t come any better than him. He will be sorely missed.
Jim was a wonderful friend who will be missed. I worked with Jim at the Alpha Beta Company in the Human Resources area. He was very thoughtful and all of us looked up to him as a special person who had an abundance of wisdom. I always admired him and kept in contact with him each Christmas. He will be missed and has been an example for others throughout his life.
I know Jim is in a better place and with his wife and companion. Dennis and Terri Williams
Jim, we know how much you loved your dad, and that his loss leaves a big hole in your heart. How lucky you are that you had such a wonderful relationship with your dad. I never had a chance to meet him, but know him through your stories and comments. He will live forever in your memory. Our thoughts are with you and Kat during this sad time. Love you guys. JoDee & Lou
Kathy & Jim–You’re in our thoughts & prayers. Your dad will always be with you in spirit. Our loved ones never really leave us–our memories keep them alive. Gary & Pat
We love you Grandpa Jim. We will miss you and your wonderful smile. Uncle Jim, My heart breaks for you but I know it will be ok. He is with God, who better to be with?
Jim was absolutely the BEST neighbor anyone could have. He was a pleasure and inspiration. He will be missed very much. Our prayers are with his family.
my prayers are with, Jim was a great gentlemen.
Jim Gilligan was a kind and generous man
I am so sorry for your loss
I first met Jim when I came to work for ABCO Stores. I loved everything about him. He worked well with everyone and everyone loved him. Throughout the years we kept in touch only by Christmas cards which I deeply regret now. I loved his cards. I will miss him.
Jimbo was by buddy. We had such a good time working at Alpha Beta Packing and while we lived in Phoenix. I would go see him when I came to Pueblo to spend time with my daughter and we would reminisce about all the good times we had. He will be greatly missed.
I love you Grandpa Jim. I will always remember your saturday visits to the farm which you would bring my favorite food…..donuts.
Grandpa,
I am so honored and blessed to have had you in my life. You were the ultimate example to me of a true man, and a gentle giant. I will always remember and treasure how you taught me to believe in myself. I will miss your quick smile, how you loved to have the latest “gadget”, and our talks about flying. I’m so glad you were there when I was in pilot training, I don’t think I could have made it without you. I will always remember our trip to Mesa Verde together. Rest easy, Navy. You will always be a father to me.
Jim Gilligan was “The Spice of Life”. Always smiling, laughing and jumping with energy. We worked with Jim at Alpha Beta for a number of years and remained friends once Alpha Beta closed. God Bless you, Jimmy. We will truly miss your Dad.