James M. Gidley

James Murray Gidley left this earth on October 20th, 2020, at age 89. James went by Jim, Gage, Grandpa, Gray Bear, and Papa Bear. Born on August 25, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan, Jim passed away in Colorado Springs, Colorado surrounded by his three children.

Known as a loving father, Pappa Bear showed his love for his family by always supporting and attending each of his children’s passions and providing travel and adventure opportunities for David Gidley (Silver Plume, CO), Kim Gidley (Colorado Springs, CO), and Scott Gidley and daughter-in-law, Shannon Cerneka Gidley (Abilene, TX).

Survived by his brother, Theodore Garrish (Jasper), and his wife, Dory Stacks of Annapolis, MD -Jim went by Gage and adored his kid brother. The two had many adventures skiing in Europe and loved to banter about results between Air Force and Navy, Michigan State and Michigan, and the Cowboys and Redskins.

Jim’s grandchildren, Breanna Gidley of Ft Worth, TX, and Lane Cagle of Colorado Springs, CO called him Grandpa. Attending all of the sporting events of his grandchildren was a priority for Grandpa and he never wanted to move away from his home in Ft Worth, TX, so he could support his grandchildren. Skiing was also a sport he introduced to his grandchildren and they each developed a passion for the snow and being in the mountains as they followed Gray Bear down the slopes.

Other surviving family members are: nephews - John Garrish (CA), Stephen Cherevko (NJ), Micheal Cherevko (NJ), and nieces Antoinette Cherevko David (NJ) and Amy Garrish Barron (CT).

Jim is preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine Theresa Gidley, after 61 years of marriage together and his daughter, Christina Gidley Cagle.

In 1954 Jim graduated from Montana State as Student Class President and through the ROTC program, began his career in the United States Air Force. As a pilot, Jim became an aircraft command pilot and had over 1,000 flying hours in the B-49, as well as the C-130. Jim served two tours in Vietnam, received the Meritorious Service Medal, and was a member of the Order of the Daedalians. Through the Air Force, Jim was sent to several military schools as well as Michigan State to earn his MBA. In 1975, Lieutenant Colonel Gidley retired at Dyess Air Force Base after 22 years of service.

After his military caterer, Jim owned the Merkel Brick and Lumber Company, as well as Gidley and Hunt Realty. After being a contractor and realtor for several years, Jim went to work for the Longhorn Council in Fort Worth Texas as a District Executive. As an Eagle Scout as a kid, Jim passed his passion for scouting to all four of his children - the two boys becoming Eagle Scouts and his two daughters were both active in the Girl Scouts. Later in his career, Jim became the Program Director for the Longhorn Council. His greatest joy, however, was serving as Camp Director at Worth Ranch for two years. Jim continued active in workdays at the ranch for many years to come. Jim was a Four Bead trainer in Wood Badge and was awarded the Silver Beaver Award in the Chisholm Trails Council.

After retiring from Scouting, Jim went to work as an ESL teacher for Krum Middle School. After teaching several years, Jim finally took on full retirement. Hobbies included singing in a Barber Shop Quartet, making up songs with his wife, playing golf, skiing, and art. He enjoyed going to art museums, as well as did paintings and drawings himself.

Jim loved his family and country and was an inspiration to live life to its fullest. May we all be so blessed and remember...jam don’t shake like jelly.

A funeral service for James will be held Friday, November 20, 2020, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Keller's Old Town Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 220 Keller Parkway, Keller, TX 76248. Following the funeral service will be a committal service from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, TX 75211.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Sun Valley, ID, as well as a workday at Worth Ranch for the Boy Scouts.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Society for the Prevention of Animal Cruelty.

https://secure.aspca.org/team/Jim%20Gidley%20rescuse-memorial-campaign-xqomnhsi

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kellersoldtownfuneralhome.com for the Gidley family.

Should you wish to send flowers in honor of James M. Gidley, please contact Lilium Floral Design at 817-589-1566 or http://www.liliumflorals.com.