James Douglas Gillespie, 72, of Kissimmee, Florida, passed away March 28, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He is preceded in death by his parents Paul and Kathleen Gillespie, and his sister Eloise. He is survived by his sister Patricia Stout, his loving wife of 51 years Sharon Gillespie, his two children Shane (married to Kimberly) Gillespie of Davenport, FL, Tracie Gillespie of Lorida, FL, five grandchildren Brady, Brett (married to Emma), Brandy, Colton (married to Reighley), Colby, and two great grandchildren, Jenson and Audra. 

James was born April 14, 1950 in Parkersburg, WV. He was the youngest of three children. James attended Belpre High School and graduated with the Class of ’68. He then attended Evertown Training Center where he earned an Associate’s degree as an Electronic Technician. James was drafted by The United States Army in June of 1969. He served most of his military time in Bangkok, Thailand during Vietnam. He was honorably discharged on August 16^th of 1971. When he returned home, he began working for Ames Tools.  He also resumed dating his high school sweetheart Sharon Shutts and after six years of dating they were married on November 10, 1971. 

James and Sharon made their home in Belpre, OH and in September of 1973 they welcomed their first child, Shane into their loving home. Five years later they welcomed their second child Tracie and their family was complete.

In 1980 James made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ.  In the same year, James and Sharon made the decision to move to Florida and settled in Kissimmee where they already had family living in the area. James did construction work until 1982 when he began his 28-year long career with the Osceola County Sheriff’s department.  He retired in 2010.

James was a very private man and enjoyed being home and working on computers. He also was a certified open water diver, and enjoyed fishing, traveling and camping.

The Celebration of Life Service for James Gillespie will be Friday, April 28^th at 3 pm at St. Cloud Community Church.  The address is 1717 13^th Street, St. Cloud, FL. 34769.  In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that gifts be made to St. Cloud Community Church in Memory of James Gillespie.