1929 – 2016

RUMFORD — James R. Gilbert, 87, a resident of Farmington, died peacefully early Saturday morning, May 28, at Rumford Community Home.

He was born March 24, 1929, in Jay, the son of Pierre Gilbert Sr. and Alice (Lacroix) Gilbert. James was a 1949 graduate of Jay High School. Following graduation, James proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean war. On Dec. 24, 1970, he married Patsy Meader of Farmington. She passed away Oct. 15, 2011. James worked for International Paper in Jay, both at the Otis Mill and later transferring to the Androscoggin Mill, where he worked as a lab assistant until his retirement in 1987. He was a devoted union man and served as secretary for UPIU Local 11 while at the Otis Mill and joined UPIU Local 14 after transferring to the Androscoggin Mill. After retirement from the mill, he worked as an electrician’s helper with his father-in-law.

He was a communicant of St. Joseph Parish in Farmington. He was a member of the Roderick– Crosby American Legion Post 28 in Farmington and Lane Dube AMVETS Post 33 in Jay. He enjoyed gardening and doing things around his home. He also loved to play poker and go bowling. He was seen several times on the Candlepin Bowling Competition Show on WGAN Channel 13, with host Bob O’Wril.

He is survived by his son, Robert Gilbert and his wife, Joan, of Portland; his stepdaughter, Michelle Pucci of West Farmington; his stepson, Jeffrey Chretien and his wife, Terry, of Farmington; granddaughter, Melanie Gilbert and great-granddaughter, Deja Lee Ann Ponder, both of Elk Grove, Calif.; three step-grandchildren; five step-great-grandchildren; his brother, Paul Gilbert and his wife, Jean, of Jay; his sister, Sally Beaudoin and her husband, John, of Livermore Falls; two sisters-in-law, Anita Gilbert of Auburn, and Charlene Gilbert of Jay; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Patsy Gilbert; and brothers, Albert, Pierre Jr. and Gerard Gilbert.

Messages of condolence may be sent to www.finleyfuneralhome.com.