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James Leslie Gilbert
09/09/1947 — 09/08/2012
From Richland, WA | Born in Moscow, Idaho
James Leslie Gilbert
James Leslie Gilbert, 64, passed away peacefully at home September 8, 2012, one day before his 65th birthday. He was born September 9, 1947 in Moscow, Idaho to William E. and Josephine Kayler Gilbert. The family moved to Orofino, Idaho when Jim was a toddler.
He contracted polio from the vaccine when he was 7 years old which resulted in damage to his left arm and shoulder. His shoulder and wrist were fused when he was a senior in high school. His father died when Jim was 15 and he and his twin brother, Jack, were raised by their mother. Jim's indomitable spirit always found a way to succeed no matter what hardship he faced or task he tried.
Jim graduated with honors from Orofino High School in 1965. He attended the University of Idaho majoring in Civil Engineering and graduated in 1969 as the U of I outstanding graduating engineer. He later earned his Professional Engineering PE certification.
Jim met Dixie Barnes while attending college and they were married in 1970. After 42 years of marriage Dixie was still the love of Jim's life. He was a great source of strength for Dixie as she battled cancer. He was by her side for every doctor appointment, chemo and radiation treatment. He was especially grateful to the Kennewick General Hospital staff and her doctors and their staffs.
His first job after graduation was with Pittsburgh Des Moines Steel in Provo, Utah. They lived in Utah, Idaho, Wyoming and California while Jim worked for PDM. In 1974 they moved to Richland, Washington when Jim took a job with the Washington Public Power Supply System. He has since worked for various Hanford contractors. He was currently employed by North Wind, Inc.
Jim was a member of Ye Olde Car Club for many years. His first antique car was a 1931 Model A coupe which his father purchased as a project. Following his father's death the Model A was restored with the help of family, friends, Shelley Steiner's Auto Body and the Ford Garage in Orofino.
He was preceded in death by his father William E. Gilbert. He is survived by his wife Dixie; daughter Christine Green Joel, Spokane, WA; son Richard Gilbert Charlette, Kennewick, WA; mother Josephine Duff Gene, Lewiston, ID; twin brother Jack Patty, Potlatch, ID; step-sisters Connie Groseclose, Moscow, ID; Nancy Blewett Tom, Genesee, ID; grandchildren Valerie Gilbert, Kennewick, WA; Mason Gilbert, Kennewick, WA; and Lily Green, Spokane, WA. Family meant everything to Jim. He adored his three grandchildren.
A memorial celebrating Jim's life will be held Saturday, October 20th at 2:30 p.m. at Einan's Funeral Home Special Events Center, 915 By-Pass Highway 240, Richland. Help the family celebrate Jim's life at a reception following the memorial by sharing your memories of him.
Jim loved animals, especially dogs. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to Pet Over Population Prevention POPP, a non-profit pet rescue organization, PO Box 442, Pasco, WA 99301-0442.
Haven’t seen you guys for way to long, but we will still miss Jim. He was a great man. We are so sorry for your loss Dixie and your family. Your life has been very tough lately so its good that you are so strong. Our love, LaDean and Cliff
Jim was a great workmate and friend, and though it’s been a number of years since we last worked together, I still have a lot of fond memories of Jim.
I have many fond & warm memories of Jim, from sharing van pool duties, being his secretarial support, and being a friend. I think of Jim everytime I hear the song “grandma got run over by a reindeer” and smile. He was like a incorrigible big brother. He will be sorely missed.
My career and Jim’s crossed a few times at Hanford over the years. Jim was certainly a memorable “character”. He had an amazing outlook on life. I will certainly miss his smiling face and stories about cars, his work, and the family he loved.
My sincere condolences go to the Gilbert Family. I would like to share this note with you. I was raised in Orofino, and babysat for Jim and Jack around 1950-52. I had no idea that Jim lived in the Tri-Cities. I am sorry that I didn’t get to know him in later years.
So very sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort Jehovah continue to furnish your family with peace and hope during this difficult time.
Dixie and kids–so sorry to see of Jim’s passing. Your family and ours were neighbors on Poplar and kids grew up together. I know he will be missed greatly.
Jim’s life was a life well lived. I think of him as one of the people who really enjoyed himself. I have many fond memories of Jim and little snapshots in my mind of times shared. One is of him riding horses in Standrod and another hunting ducks by the lower pond. He gave new emphasis to singing “Elvira”. So many times over the years we would say–that is so James L–about things that reminded us of him. I especially enjoyed the nickname he had for his wife Dixie. She was affectionately called “wifey dear” I will miss him very much and life will be a bit less fun without him here.
My love goes out to my sister Dixie, to Chris and Rich and their families and to Joie. I believe it can be said of him “well done”.
Love
Polly
Dixie and Family:
I am so sad to hear about Jim’s passing and your loss. I met Jim many years ago at Hanford. Jim and I worked on several projects during those times. I always enjoyed his stories and his love for old cars. He was a great guy and we will all miss him. Jim, I’ll see you down the road someday.
Dennis Cole and Family
Hey Jim:
This is your former shipmate Kitty in your “abandoned ship”. You left so suddenly. I will miss dearly our fun chats about classic cars, your dogs, your cabin, and our work….especially over a beer. I know you are at a happier place now and will continue to look over Dixie. Keep up the good work, dear friend! We will have a beer on the other side one day!
Kitty
I called Him a true friend. Not many earn that title. He was smart, funny, kind and had integrity. He had a positive attitude and brought friends and coworkers up. We just did better when Jim was around. He loved his family and spoke of them often. I pray he is in his mansion in the heavens with his street lined with classic cars. I believe that Jim may have been a redneck at heart, but his classy style out-shined everything else. Yes, there is a hole in our lives now that we are without Jim’s physical presence among us, but a smile will always come to my face with fond memories in my heart when I think of the man who left that hole. My best wishes for his family as they journey past this very difficult time.
Jim’s passion for his family came first, then cars and Idaho and all three always came into any conversation I had with him. He was a good man and a good friend. Memories of Jim and Dixie with her incredibly beautiful smile, at the Numatec parties will always be with me.
Guestbook for
James Leslie Gilbert