James "Jim" W. Gilbert

James “Jim” W. Gilbert

November 10, 1922 ~ March 24, 2015

James “Jim” W. Gilbert of Montrose, Colorado passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 24, 2015 with his family by his side. Jim was born November 10, 1922 in Oakland, CA. to Jacob and Adyline (Chaboya) Gilbert.  He and his parents later moved to Santa Cruz, CA. where the ocean was his playground.  After graduating from Santa Cruz High School in 1940, Jim was drafted in 1942 and served four years in the U.S. Army Air Corps.  After his four years, he went to work as an electrician for American Standard in Richmond, CA. where Jim met his future wife, Bobbie J. Turner, and was married on February 1, 1947 in Fresno, CA.  Jim was coaxed by a coworker to change the lightbulb above Bobbie’s desk and it was love at first “light”.  They then returned to Santa Cruz where Jim owned and operated a successful electrical contracting company.  After retiring, Jim and Bobbie relocated to the golfing community of Arnold, CA. in the Sierras.  After 12 years in the mountains, they moved to Saddlebrook in Tucson, AZ. prior to moving to Cobble Creek in Montrose to be closer to family.

Jim’s zest for life was being married to his beautiful and loving wife, Bobbie for 68 years.  They enjoyed every day together.  He loved taking his family camping and waterskiing during the summers and was still golfing at age 88.  Jim was a sports enthusiast and loved watching the Rockies, Golf and the Broncos.  He and Bobbie enjoyed their travels to Europe and Alaska, but his greatest enjoyment was being with family and friends.  Jim and Bobbie were the biggest fans at their grandson’s soccer and baseball games.

Jim’s many talents included building three of their own homes alongside his wife, Bobbie, and working next to his son-in-law building their log home in Telluride, CO.  Jim’s woodworking talents included hand crafted pull toys for the grandkids, unique wood bird carvings and cork bird houses that he gave to friends.  Jim was the “go to guy” if anyone needed construction help or a special tool to borrow.  Jim was a bright light in this world always willing to lend a hand, always with a huge smile.  Jim was a man of integrity and wisdom, a gentle soul, a man with a huge heart full of kindness and love.  Those grateful and blessed to have shared Jim’s life include his wife, Bobbie, of Montrose; son Steve and wife Kathi of Mariposa, CA; daughter Carol and husband Steve of Ridgway, CO.  Jim was affectionately known as “Papa” to his four wonderful grandchildren, Wade Parkinson of Silverthorne, CO., Ryan Parkinson of Bozeman, MT., Tisa Gilbert of San Francisco, CA., Jazz Gilbert of Pismo Beach, CA.,  Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Adyline, and his sister Helen.

A celebration of life will be held at Cobble Creek Clubhouse on April 11, 2015 at 5:00 P.M.  Our thanks go to all of Jim’s friends, Hospice and the Sunrise Creek Community for the love and support given to the family.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to HopeWest, in memory of Jim Gilbert, P.O. Box 1804, Montrose, Colorado 81402.  Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory, Montrose, Colorado is assisting the family.