James Irvin Gilmer

James “Jim” Irvin Gilmer, age 76, Wheat Ridge, Colorado passed away on May 30, 2019 after a long struggle with Lewy Body Dementia. He was born in Denver on September 16, 1942 to Regina (Puhl) and Charles Gilmer. He was the second oldest of four sons.

Jim graduated from Wheat Ridge High School in 1960. He graduated from the University of Colorado with three bachelor degrees. He enlisted in the United States Navy where he was active duty from 1963-1968. In 1992, he retired from the Navy Reserves as a Senior Chief.

On March 2, 1968, he married Janice Elaine Willis. They raised two sons and a daughter. Jim worked for Public Service Company of Colorado for 28 years and then IBM for 6 more years before retiring. His retirement didn’t last long before he started working at Home Depot for another 13 years, where he was the Jack of All Trades, and the “Man with the White Beard.” During Christmas time, Jim was Santa Claus and Janice was Mrs. Claus spreading cheer on the Georgetown-Silver Plume Railroad. When Jim wasn’t working, he was spending time with his family camping and enjoying the great outdoors. Jim was known for his kind and generous spirit helping others.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents Charles and Regina Gilmer and his older brother William “Bill” Gilmer. Jim is survived by his spouse Janice Willis Gilmer, his three children: Aaron Mathew Gilmer (Holly), Ryan Willis Gilmer, and Lisa Gilmer Lambert (Richard), five grandchildren and two brothers Scott and Luke Gilmer.

Jim’s life will be honored and celebrated at a Memorial Mass held at Spirit of Christ, 7400 W. 80th Ave. Arvada, on Friday, June 14, 2019, at 1:00pm. Reception to follow at Brookdale Meridian, 1805 S. Balsam, Lakewood.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association: www.lbda.org.