James R. Gillard

James “Jimmy” Roland Gillard, aged 96, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2025, in Westerville, Ohio. He was born on July 30, 1928 in Akron, Ohio to Aileen Perry and Russell Ries. Jim was a member of the Air Force from 1946 to 1954. He was stationed in Tokyo, Key West, New Orleans, Brooklyn, Bellefontaine, and San Diego. While stationed in Ohio, his grandparents fixed him up on a Valentines Days 1953 blind date with Ann Price. When he was being transferred to San Diego, they decided to marry. On 9/15/1953 they were married in a small ceremony in Radnor. Ohio. In 1954, they moved home to Radnor where Michael, Lisa, and Lori were all born. They eventually moved to Columbus in 1961. He worked at Ranco, the Electronical Engineering labs at The Ohio State University, and ultimately, as Vice President of Ohio Semitronics.

Beyond his professional life, Jimmy was deeply involved in his community. He and Ann were founding members at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church where he also became a Deacon for the State of Ohio Presbytery.

His hobbies were as diverse as his talents, ranging from raising rabbits and surf fishing on the East Coast to woodworking, genealogy, photography, and singing and entertaining with various choruses with Ann. Jimmy was also a member of the Rotary Club of Columbus and a 32nd degree Mason. But his favorite hobby of all was spending time with his children and then later his grand babies. He went on field trips, helped in their classrooms, made trips to the zoo, took them on vacations, and went to many, many sporting or musical events.

Jimmy’s family was his pride and joy. He is survived and will be greatly missed by his daughter, Lori Smith; son-in-law, Joe (Cheryl) Heasley; sister, Valerie Espinosa; grandchildren, David (Bridget) Heasley, Sarah (Brad) Heasley, Nathaniel Smith, Jennifer Smith, Evan Gillard, Annie Chapman, and Rebecca Tussing, seven great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousin Susan (Terry) Ford. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Ann Price Gillard; son, Michael Gillard; daughter, Lisa Heasley; son-in-law, Craig Smith; brother, Jacques Gillard; and sister, Yvonne Terwilliger.

Visitation to honor and celebrate Jimmy’s life will be held from 3:00 to 5:45 PM on February 4th at ADVANTAGE by SCHOEDINGER NORTH, 5554 Karl Road, with a prayer service concluding the gathering at 5:45 PM. The family welcomes all who knew and loved him to join in remembering a life so beautifully lived.