James Roy Gilson

James Roy Gilson passed away early Saturday morning at Spokane Valley General Hospital in the arms of the love of his life, his wife Cindy Gilson. Jim treasured many things in life, but four things meant the very most to him: his family, his faith, and his friends…and don’t forget the Pittsburgh Steelers. Born in Washington, PA January 19th 1947, to William T. Gilson and Bertha Marjorie Johnston, he graduated from Washington High School in 1966. Jim would serve in the Air Force as a mechanic and after finishing training be stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, WA. After his honorable service in the USAF he had a brief stint as a barber but eventually moved on to a successful career with the US Postal Service. He retired in 2003, after 31 years, to fight against cancer his common foe; but service was a common theme throughout his life. Jim decided early in his life that cancer would not defeat him. Instead he tackled each of his 7 encounters against the disease with the same determination and grit as a middle linebacker from his favorite team, the Pittsburgh Steelers. He lived his life to the fullest and never complained. When facing the challenges presented to him in life his question to his worried loved ones would be “Where am I from?” He expected us to answer with a hearty response… “Pittsburgh!” He truly was our man of steel! Despite his toughness and inner determination Jim was a kind and loving friend. One friend remarked, “In the years we have known Jim, the one constant about him which we have so much respect for, is his genuine interest in the people around him.” Jim forged many special friendships, but he leaves behind his most treasured friend, his brother, Ralph Gilson (Marcella). He loved pulling pranks and keeping everyone on high alert ready to dodge the unavoidable. One daughter said “growing up as a prankster’s daughter helped me not to take myself or life so seriously.” Jim loved his membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and the opportunities he had to serve. He humbly served in many positions and especially loved working with the youth. His faith in his Heavenly Father gave him the courage to endure his challenges and allow the Savior’s atoning sacrifice to change his life. He was able to better understand and face his challenges through the comfort, knowledge and peace that his relationship with the Savior brought to him. He adores his 6 children: Tricia Lynn Gilson, James Kenneth Gilson (Chrissy), Ericka Anne Gilson, Angelique Rae Riley, Cherie Raelene Robisch (Jason) and Dale Raymond Stockwell. He found great joy in his 18 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Maintaining close relationships with his aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins was high on his priority list. Jim appreciated all the support of family, friends and those in the medical field who gave him the care and hope to face each day. Some of Jim’s other interests included classic cars, Motown music, fishing and woodwork. Guests to his home were almost always challenged to a game of pool in his man cave. Jim’s passing was due to heart failure from various cancer treatments, but truly his heart never failed any of us. Jim’s services will be held Wednesday March 23rd at 4:00pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 21022 East Wellesley, Otis Orchards, WA.