James Lee "Jim" Gilmore

Services will be held at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W, Columbia, MO on Thursday, July 3, 2025. The visitation will begin at 1:00pm, followed by a funeral service at 3:00pm. Committal service will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.

James was born on September 25, 1936 in Columbia, MO, the son of Harry and Mamie (Bradley) Gilmore.

James graduated from Hickman High School in 1952 and began working at the young age of 15. He lived a life defined by dedication, generosity, and love for his family and community. After high school, he managed the cafeteria at MFA Incorporated (later Shelter Insurance), where he dedicated over 30 years of service before retiring. His passion for cooking continued into retirement, when he opened and operated Gilly’s, a local favorite restaurant in Columbia, from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s.

Beyond his professional life, James found great joy in coaching his children's sports teams. For over two decades, he was a fixture on the sidelines—offering guidance, support, and encouragement to not only his own children but countless others in the community. His love for sports was only matched by his love for the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending peaceful days at the lake, a place that became his permanent home in his later years.

James’s legacy is one of quiet strength, deep commitment, and unwavering love. He was well-loved by all who knew him and will be remembered for his warm smile, his steady presence, and his willingness to help others.

Survivors include: his wife, Elizabeth Gilmore, of Ashland, MO; five children, Glynda Atterberry (Bill) of Ozark, MO, Greg Gilmore (Jennifer) of Columbia, MO, Carla Henderson of Ashland, MO, Scott Gilmore (Lisa) of Olathe, KS and Jeff Gilmore of Columbia, MO; his step-children, Martha Crump, Lee Crump (Jennifer) and family; eight grandchildren, Korey Elkin, Lisa Munoz, Tyler Gilmore, Jacob Barb, Mechelle Chaney, Stacey Huck, Matthew Gilmore, and Kylie Gilmore; sixteen great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by both parents: Harry and Mamie Gilmore (Bradley), three sisters: Margaret Woods (Donald), Forestine Wallace (Robert) and Peggy Rhoades (Jack), three brothers: Jackie Gilmore (Bessie), Albert Ray (A.R.) Gilmore (Julia) and Brad Gilmore; niece Beverly Farr and nephews Sonny Gilmore and Randy Gilmore.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Central & NE MO Food Bank, 2101 Vandiver Dr, Columbia, MO 65202.