James Weiler Gillespie, 95, of Sterling, IL, passed away on August 18, 2013 at the Dixon Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Dixon, IL under the care of Serenity Hospice and the caring staff of the Center.

Private burial took place in Tuscola, IL. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 21, 2013 at the First Presbyterian Church, Sterling, IL, with the Rev. John Huff officiating. A luncheon will be served following the service.

The family requests in lieu of flowers that contributions may be made to Stronghold Camp and Retreat Center, PO Box 199, Oregon, IL 61061 or Serenity Hospice and Home, Box 462, Oregon, IL 61061

James was born in St. Louis, MO on August 14, 1918 and spent his early years through high school in Springfield, IL. He was an active participant in the Presbyterian Church, the Boy Scouts, YMCA and Demolay. He was a 32nd Degree Mason. James was very proud of his work with the Boy Scouts and earned the Silver Beaver Award as well as the coveted award of "The Silver Wreath" for continued service in Scouting, having served as Director on the Board of Blackhawk Council in Rockford for 10 years.

He enlisted in the CCC after high school, followed by three years in the Air Force, stationed at Scott field in Belleville as an Assistant Chaplain. The Church drew him back and in 1947 he entered McCormick Theological Seminary, and after graduation was ordained as Presbyterian Minister.

He served churches in Grand Ridge and Sullivan, IL Grosse Pointe, MI and Peru, IN. Ever the student, Jim entered and graduated from John Marshall Law School and worked as a Federal Bank examiner. In 1969, Jim and wife Jane moved to Sterling where he worked in the Trust Dept. of the Central National bank, and then was elected Sterling Township Assessor from 1992-1996. The historic Presbyterian Church of Polo called him as their Minister and he served them from 1974 until it's closing in 2006. During these years he was active with the Presbytery of Blackhawk and the Stronghold Ministries.

James was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jane Neal Gillespie, in 2006.

He is survived by his daughter, Leah (Jay) Schultz of Ann Arbor, MI, a granddaughter, Sarah (Jeffrey) Sugerman of Minneapolis, MN and a grandson, James (Dawn) Schultz of Redondo Beach, CA.


Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 705 South Main Street, Tuscola, IL is assisting the family with arrangements.