James Gilling

SUNRISE June 23, 1942

SUNSET December 4, 2022

James Gilling, the first-born child of the late Carmen Williams (Jones) and the late Cornelius Gilling (Blythe), was born in Panama on June 23, 1942. James was also known as “Jim”, “Jimmy” or “Gil”.

Jim was a proud Panamanian and United States citizen who served in the United States Army - 82nd Airborne Division, Special Forces, and broke racial barriers when completing under water operations training. He was honorably discharged and continued his service in various United States Army reserve units. Jim graduated from Fayetteville State University where he was an advocate for his fellow students and veterans. He was responsible for initiating medical clinics while attending college and tutored numerous classmates in various subjects. He was the first-generation college graduate in his family.

Jim’s employment history included various positions and agencies within the United States Federal government: the US Agency for International Development, covering Central and South America, and the Caribbean islands; various agencies within the US Treasury Department (Internal Revenue Service, Office of Regional Inspector, Internal Security Division; United States Customs, and Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration Division, Internal Security Division). He retired in 1998.

Jim had a commanding presence and was the type of person that others sought out. He had the typical Type A personality: competitive, ambitious, highly goal oriented and never stopped until he had achieved those goals. He was extremely organized, disliked wasting time, and could be impatient or irritated when delayed. But he used these traits to benefit himself and countless others. He was a man who fiercely loved his family and friends and lived his faith, truly loving his neighbor as himself and taking a genuine interest in others. Throughout his life he was a champion of the underdog and less fortunate.

Jim was a lifelong seeker of knowledge and wisdom, loving science and medicine. He was always physically active; loved swimming, running, weightlifting and vigorously mowing the lawn for aerobic exercise. His yard was always the envy of each home he lived in and gardening was a passion. He loved animals(especially dogs), music (especially jazz) and dancing. He was an exceptional man with a life well lived.

Jim transitioned peacefully at his home on Sunday, December 4, 2022.

Celebrating his rich life and cherishing his memory are: his dedicated and loving wife, Kathryn (Knauss); siblings, Felix (Bernadette) Modelo of Alaska, Merlina McIvy of New Jersey, Clifford Blythe of Florida, and Francine Gilling of Washington; children: Jaime Thomas, Zaneta Ivery (Willie), and Victor Gilling, first wife Betty Gilling (Baldwin); three grandchildren: Jaime Thomas Jr., Lauryn and Peyton Ivery; nieces and nephews, Carlos (Monica) McIvy Jr., Vielka (Edwin) Brown, Mario McIvy, Candice (David) Bourbonnais, Roberto Modelo, Rita LeClair (Modelo), Nivia Modelo-Martin (Justin), Lena Modelo, Dina Modelo, Chico Modelo; great-nieces and nephews; Aunt Shirley Etienne, Uncles Alfred and Robyn Gibbs; host of cousins, in-laws and countless friends.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The entire Gilling family would especially like to convey their heartfelt thanks to the various doctors, nurses, therapists and aids that assisted Jim through his medical journey, and know that we all appreciate the sensitivity, kindness and genuine care you all showed. Also, a special thanks to all the neighbors, friends, and family who constantly held Jim in their thoughts and prayers.

In lieu of flowers, contributions or memorials may be offered in Jim’s memory to CARE, Doctors without Borders, and/or to Memory & Movement, Charlotte, NC.