James Leroy Gilbert

MADISON-James L. "Jim" Gilbert, age 84, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 25, 2016. He was born on Nov. 22, 1931, in Madison, the son of Clark and Jennie (Ericson) Gilbert. He married Sybil George in November, 1951. Jim attended Emerson Grade School, Madison East High School and MATC. He served for two years in the U.S. Navy as a 2nd Class Metalsmith on a repair ship. He then spent two years on the U.S.S. Lake Champlain and two years in the U.S. Naval Reserve. Jim joined the Madison Fire Department in 1957, and was a member of Union No. 311. He retired in 1987 as a lieutenant. He also worked for the Capital Times, Anderson Thomas Co., Harker Heating Co., Madison Steel Building Co., and Black Hawk Girl Scouts. He was also a registered Girl Scout. As a young boy he belonged to Boy Scout Troop No. 7 and No. 32 and also Explorer Scout Troop No. 432. Jim served as a scout leader for Troop No. 116 for 12 years and on the Boy Scout Commission for the Yahara District. He also served as president of the Winnequah Gun Club, which he was also a longtime member. Jim was an avid wood carver for years and belonged to the Capital Area Wood Carvers of Wisconsin. He would carve in the basement listening to classical music. Jim was a charter member of Lake Edge Lutheran Church, where Jim and Harold Hettrick were the spaghetti team for the church spaghetti dinners. He was also on the church dart team for years. Jim had many interests including hunting and fishing. Jim and Sybil took many fishing trips to Canada with friends. He liked golfing with his buddies, traveling, antiquing, sports, the history channel and watching Jeopardy. He was good at it too! Jim loved his family and spending time with them, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be missed by many, we love you dearly, rest in peace. Jim is survived by his wife, Sybil; sons, Steven (Lois) Gilbert of Custer, S.D., and David (Cheryl) Gilbert of Hoffman Estates, Ill.; four grandchildren, Christine (Craig Endersen) Gilbert of Monroe, Jennifer (Nicholas) Harling of Naperville, Ill., Eric Gilbert of Montrose, Colo., and Audrey Connor of Milwaukee; great-grandchildren, Bradley and Chelsey of Monroe; brother, John (Sue) Gilbert of Appleton; sister Phyllis (Richard) Gies of Custer, S.D.; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Lori Ann Gilbert Connor; and sister, Beverly Medrow. A memorial service will be held at LAKE EDGE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4032 Monona Dr., Madison, at 11 a.m., on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday, with firefighter and military honors. Memorials may be made to Lake Edge Lutheran Church in Monona, Agrace HospiceCare or Home Health United. The family would like to thank Agrace HospiceCare, Home Health United and Dr. Phelan for their care and support. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420