James Philip Gill

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.