James Richard Gilligan

James Richard Gilligan passed away Monday, February 9, 2026. Jim was born October 15, 1932, in Los Angeles, CA the second child of James Sylvester Gilligan and Mary Jelochen Gilligan. His Sister, Sally was born in 1930. His father worked in the grocery industry and his mother was a homemaker. The family lived in West Los Angeles where he graduated from George Washington High School in 1949. His early interests included boating, fishing, hunting, woodwork and wrestling. He and his lifelong friend Dick Helgren worked together on the fishing boats out of San Pedro. The family moved to Monterey Park after his graduation. He attended Junior College studying drafting and was a member of the US Coast Guard Reserve until he was drafted in 1953. He separated from the Coast Guard Reserve and joined the US Army where he served until 1955. He was a sharp-shooter teaching others gun skills before being deployed to Okinawa.

Jim married Barbara Marie Clayton Gilligan (Barb) on April 24, 1954. James was in the Army at the time, stationed in Okinawa, when their first child, Lynn Louise, was born in 1955. Barbara and Jimmy welcomed their 2nd Child, Michael James, in 1956. The 3rd, Jan Elaine in 1958 and their “baby” Patrick Edward in 1962.

In April of 1955 he was discharged and returned home. He began his grocery career upon his return at Alpha Beta, Jim made and kept many of his lifelong friends at work. Alpha Beta was a prominent California-based grocery chain operating from 1917 to 1995, founded by Albert and Hugh Gerrard in Pomona. Originally famous for arranging products in alphabetical order, it grew into a major chain before being sold, with locations rebranded as Ralphs, Albertson’s, Food 4 Less, or Lucky.

During those busy years they moved frequently, living in Whittier, El Cajon, San Diego, Oceanside, Carlsbad, Poway, Escondido and finally back to Oceanside. Jim and the Helgren family reconnected when Helgren’s Sports Fishing relocated to Oceanside Harbor. His family were avid campers, water skiers, boaters, and frequent visitors to Roberts Cottage #3 which Grandma Clayton purchased in 1958. Jim always made time for his family while working 50+ hours a week. He found time to Coach Little League and Pop Warner Football and for vacations to the River where he taught the kids to fish and waterski, another of Jim’s passions.

In 1986, Jim and his family suffered the loss of Jan, her passing was tragic for all who knew and loved her.

He retired in 1987, during their 35+ years of retirement Barbara & Jim embraced their hobbies, dogs, hunting, fishing, travel, movies, plays, and home improvement. Retirement allowed Jim to take an active role is planning 3–4-day long range fishing trips with his friends: Capt. Dick Helgren, Capt. Mark White, Capt. Richard Deluna, Capt. Mark Ornos and Deck Boss Mike Roach to Guadalupe Island in Mexico. This is where the infamous Fishing Boat Meatloaf made its appearance. Jim spent lots of time with Jim Connors and friends at Willow Creek Archery.

Jim was the definition of a loving husband and great father devoted to his family. James is survived by three children, Lynn, Michael, and Patrick, three grandchildren, Scott Thompson, Lindsey Alexander, Katie Thompson McCarty and Grandson-In-Law Matthew, and one Great Granddaughter, Gradie McCarty.

There will be a graveside service with Military Honors at Noon on Tuesday March 3, at Eternal Hills Mortuary in Oceanside. Reception buffet to follow at Café Rosarita 1816 A Oceanside Bl. Oceanside, CA 92054. Burial at Sea on 3/2/26 departing at 10 AM. Meet at Dock B (Jolly Roger) for additional info contact Mike: 970-585-4039.