James J. Gilbert

Nov. 27, 1923-Sept. 9, 2004

GEM, Kan. -- James J. Gilbert, 80, died Thursday (Sept. 9, 2004) at his home in rural Gem, Kan.

He was born Nov. 27, 1923, to James E. and Ethel A. (Meyers) Gilbert on a rural farm near Gem. He was raised in the Achilles community and lived there all of his life. He attended District 25 country school and graduated in 1943 from Decatur Community High School. Her served in the Army in the 16th Tank Battalion.

On Sept. 12, 1943, he married Doris W. Stephens in Clayton, Kan. The couple farmed and ranched.

He was a member of the Farm Bureau and the American Legion Post No. 70.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Cleta Wenger; and two brothers-in-law, Jerry Dempewolf and Rollie Scott.

Survivors include his wife, Doris of Gem; son, James C. Gilbert and wife, Janet of Vera Beach, Fla.; daughter, Marsha Colby and husband, Randy of Garwood, Wash.; four sisters, Dorothy Emahizer and husband, Thane of Ludell, Marion Dempewold of Oberlin, Donna Guinn of Oberlin and Karen Scott of Oberlin; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Services were today, 11 a.m., at Pauls Funeral Home in Oberlin. Interment was in Oberlin Cemetery.

Memorials may be given in his name to the American Legion Post No. 70 and the Cedar Living Center in Oberlin.

Pauls Funeral Home of Oberlin is in charge of the arrangements.