Born October 16, 1950 in Gettysburg, he was a son of the late John R. and Janice (Raffensberger) Gilbert.

Mr. Gilbert founded G & P Lightning Rod and Chimney Cleaning Service in 1977. He continued as owner operator until his retirement in 2003. Before starting his business, Mr. Gilbert was employed at Gettysburg Construction Company. Recently, he worked as a claims adjuster for Nationwide Insurance.

Mr. Gilbert graduated from Biglerville High School in 1968. He went on to earn his Associates Degree in Building and Construction from Williamsport Area Community College and became an accomplished woodworker.

Mr. Gilbert recently joined Zion U.C.C. in Arendtsville. He enjoyed cooking and baking and will be remembered for his sense of humor and willingness to help others.

Surviving, in addition to his companion, are his sons, Nicholas J. Gilbert and his wife Davina of Williamsburg, VA, and Travis J. Gilbert of York Springs; his sister, Peggy Diveley of Biglerville; two brothers, George Gilbert of Fairfield, and Bob Gilbert of Gettysburg; and his grandson, Aiden Gilbert.

A memorial service to celebrate Jim's life will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at Zion U.C.C., located at the corner of Gettysburg St. and Rt. 234 in Arendtsville, with Rev. Kim Blocher and Rev. Judith L. Guasch officiating. The family will receive friends between 10 and 11 a.m. Wednesday at church. Burial will be private. Family and friends are invited to a luncheon following the service at the home of Travis Gilbert. All are welcome.

The Peters Funeral Home, 321 Carlisle St., Gettysburg, is in charge of arrangements.

For those desiring, contributions may be made in Mr. Gilbert's memory to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 800 Corporate Circle, Suite 100, Harrisburg, PA 17110.

To share memories of Mr. Gilbert, please click on "Sign Guest Book" above.

A video tribute celebrating Mr. Gilbert's life can be viewed by clicking the link below, then click the photo to play the tribute video. (Special Note: If you have firewall protection installed on your computer, it must be disabled in order to play the tribute.  Macintosh systems need Windows to use the tribute viewer).

James K. Gilbert memorial video