James Calvin Gillen

James (Jim) Calvin Gillen was born in Wabash, Indiana on November 2, 1934. Although money was tight at times when Jim was growing up, he enjoyed a Rockwellesque childhood, complete with paper routes, drug store soda fountains, and chores at the family chicken hatchery. During his teen years, Jim was active in high school activities, including football and theater. It was also at this time that Jim first developed his love for cars, taking care of those that came to the filling station where he worked, and buying his first one, a Ford Model T. Jim spent his college days at both Purdue and Indiana University, where he joined the Acacia Fraternity, making friendships that lasted a lifetime.

Post-college, Jim joined the Army, which led him to adventures and discoveries in the newly-admitted State of Alaska. After an honorable discharge from the military, Jim moved to the Boston area to be closer to his sister and embark on a career in the electronic components industry. It was at a beach just north of Boston where Jim met his wife-to-be Claire, and the two were married in 1963. Following a brief spell in Michigan, the newlyweds moved back to New England, where they started a family and Jim advanced his career in electronics. It was in his mid-thirties when Jim bought a broken down 1929 Hupmobile, kicking off a 30-year restoration project which culminated in winning a best in class award at the world-renowned Hershey auto meet. When he was in his mid-forties Jim along with Claire began another major project, buying a parcel of waterfront land in small-town Maine, with Jim himself doing much of the work to build a treasured cabin.

As Jim’s career became more comfortable, he began exploring the world with Claire, including trips to England, Eastern Europe, Germany, Mexico, and Japan. Upon retirement, Jim launched yet another project, starting a stainless steel nuts & bolts business, which kept him busy well into his eighties and in touch with the antique auto enthusiast community. Retirement also allowed Jim to pursue one of his other passions, going to bluegrass concerts around the country. A true son of Indiana, Jim returned to his home state post-retirement, and moved to Bloomington, where he & Claire enjoyed their new hometown’s cultural offerings. Health problems forced Jim to slow down in his later years, but that didn’t stop him from attending Kiwanis meetings, taking drives down country roads, and frequenting Golden Corral, one of his favorite restaurants. While at home in Bloomington, Jim was fortunate to receive neighborly care from Debbie & Tom Ross (and their dog George).

Jim is survived by wife (Claire Gillen), his sister (Mary Jo Ciganek), his children (Christopher Gillen, Betsy Gillen, Amy Gillen) and two grandchildren (Hana Gillen, Annabelle Morland).

No memorial service is planned. But should you see an antique car rambling down the road or hear bluegrass music being played, we would be thrilled if you thought of Jim.

Jim was a good provider, a kind soul, and an honest man — he is sorely missed.

Jim was cared for by the Day & Deremiah-Frye Funeral Home at 4150 E. 3rd Street in Bloomington.