James L. Gilbert Jr.

James "Jim" L Gilbert Jr, age 78, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his loving family on June 4th, 2026. 

He was born on July 20th, 1947 in Sewickley, PA and was the first son of thirteen children of the late James L Gilbert Sr. and Hope F Cassel Gilbert. 

James served his country with the Army Corps of Engineers and was in Vietnam, where he earned a Purple heart.

Working as a heavy equipment operator, he retired from Browning-Ferris Industries. 

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother Bob Gilbert, his sister Lois Owens, several brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws and cousins.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Margie Davis Gilbert; three children, Bill (Jeannie) Jared, James (Kimberly) Gilbert, and Christine (Alex) Morozov; five grandchildren, Nathan Jared, Nick Jared, Alexis Morozov, Caitlin Morozov and Noah Gilbert; ten siblings, Faith (Jim) Boden, Kathy Falk, Ernest Gilbert, Larry (Laurie) Gilbert, Marilyn (Phil) Collins, Patrick (Vicki) Gilbert, Scott Gilbert, Hope Andrews, Joyce (Andy) Sweeney, and Connie Taylor; and many more beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren. 

James had a deep passion for hunting, fishing, and working on his truck or boat outside. He enjoyed talking to friends on the phone, visiting with family, watching westerns and Cleveland baseball.

He was a member of the American Legion Post 290 in Columbiana. 

The calling hours will be held at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Boardman-Canfield Chapel on Sunday, June 7th 2026 from 2 to 4 PM and services will immediately follow at 4 PM.

Burial Services will be Monday June 8 at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, in Rittman Ohio. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations for Hospice of the Valley to honor James, 979 Tibbetts Wick Rd Suite A Girard, Ohio 44420