James Joseph Gilson, known lovingly to family and friends as Jimmy, passed away peacefully at his home in The Villages, Florida on March 15, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was surrounded by his loving family. Born on May 31, 1950, in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City, Jimmy was a true New Yorker – a big heart, quick wit, and an endless supply of stories. Pull a string he’d rattle off a barrage of childhood tales from the “old neighborhood”.
As a young man, Jimmy served his country with honor and courage as an Army Ranger during the Vietnam War, where he earned the Army Commendation Medal for “exceptionally meritorious service”. Although he rarely spoke about his time in combat, those who knew him understood the quiet pride he carried for having represented his country. After returning home, Jimmy built a remarkable 40-year career with Con Edison’s gas and electric emergency services department.
Known as one of the best mechanics and troubleshooters in the field, he was the guy you called when the job was tough and the night was long. In his eyes, Jimmy’s banner lifetime achievement was his family. He married his beloved Kathy in 1976 and shortly thereafter moved to Greenwood Lake, NY where they lived for 39 years, raising their family and developing lifelong friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Helen T. and James E. Gilson.
Jimmy is survived by the love of his life, Kathy; their children Meghan (Brian) Duggan, Erin (Russ) Pysner, and James Eugene (Pam) Gilson; his sister Debbie (the late Anthony) Kovalsky; his cherished grandchildren Keiran, Maya, James Joseph, and Emilia; plus his many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. His love for his family was unshakable, and his presence will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew him.
A celebration of Jimmy’s life will be held on April 9, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Hiers-Baxley Life Event Center., 3975 Wedgewood Ln, The Villages, Fl 32162. A burial with military honors will follow on April 10, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Fl.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause close to Jimmy’s heart. Raise a glass, tell a story, share a laugh – Jimmy would want to be remembered that way. Events