James's obituary

James Ronald Gillespie

May 12th, 1947 – April 28th 2023

James Ronald Gillespie was born on May 12th, 1947 in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of James William and Erma Lee (Evans) Gillespie. He was called “Butch” by family and “Jim” by friends and associates.

During his teen years, Jim worked in his father’s many small businesses which built his strong work ethics and social skills. He graduated from John Adams High School in 1965 and went on to attend Ohio Institute of Technology (renamed DeVry Institute of Technology). Jim achieved respect and promotions working in his profession for the Federal Department of Defense as their lead Logistics Manager.

Jim married Ruth E. Mcgary and had a child, a daughter, Jenevette Rochelle. Jim was adored by other friends and their children with his silly antics like his lip sync performances to songs from the radio. Jim loved music. Primarily, he enjoyed jazz and Soul Oldies. He also had a flare for Art. Many will remember him as a storyteller, mostly tales of his experiences throughout his life. He was also a good listener and would give good advice. He loved to read especially thriller authors but also poets. Jim also gave of himself. Because he had a rare blood type , he was a regular to the blood banks and donated monthly to St. Judes Children Foundation.

James’ love of sports had no limits. He played baseball and golf but also knew every football, baseball, and basketball team from College to Pro. He stayed a hardcore Cleveland fan. Jim retired at the age of 55 and enjoyed traveling around the world to places like Alaska, Australia, Canada, Hawaii, and Mexico to name a few.

Jim, when diagnosed with cancer, moved permanently from Amelia, Ohio to Henderson, Nevada In 2018. He fought long and hard to beat cancer and he fought very well. However, in April of 2023, Jim passed away from natural causes at the age of 75 at his residence. He will be missed by his surviving family, daughter Jenevette Rochelle Tate, and grandson Zachary James Gillespie, sister Gilda (Gillespie) Spears, her spouse, Wilmer. L. Spears, their daughter, Katrionne (Spears) Baldwin and spouse Scott Baldwin, sister Carla Gillespie, her daughter Ashley (McCreary) Flores, her spouse, Stephen Flores and their son, Gabriel Flores. Additionally, long time family friends, Linda Padua and her daughters Phyllis and Elizabeth, and close family friend Marcia Johnson also grieve his passing

Memorial Services are being planned but will be delayed until a location is determined. Because Jim’s family and friends are located in several states, a site most convenient for all who want to attend is desired.

Please email Jenevette at Jrtate0325@gmail.com or phone 928-249-0255 for more information concerning memorial services.

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