James (Jim) Lee Gilbert passed away peacefully on May 8th, 2022 at age 69 at his home in Camdenton, Missouri.  James was a fierce competitor until the very end, and hit every pitch that cancer threw at him.  When comfort became an option, James ran the bases and sprinted home.  

James was genuinely a legendary story teller.  It was not unusual to have a quick meal, “one beer”, or a zippy phone call turn hours long, because his endless wisdom and substantial life experience was something that everyone wished they could box up and hold on to forever.  James loved mentoring each and every dreamer to achieve their highest potential, and the keen ability to invigorate dreamers that felt their flame burning out.  The value of his friendship was unmeasurable. James would also want you to remember that he was a total chick magnet, ladies man, and handsome devil, and master bass fisher.

James had countless athletic honors and successes while competing as a Blue Devil at Quincy High School, and a Huskie at Northern Illinois University.  He dabbled in the world of professional football as a kicker/punter with the Chicago Wind, and New York Jets.  His greatest love was the game of baseball.  He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, and planned his days around tuning in to their broadcast.  

Above all other talents and accomplishments, James was the proudest father to Andrew James Gilbert (Michelle) of Trout Valley, Illinois and Ginny Gilbert (Willie Rhoads) of Camdenton, Missouri.  He also embraced the role of “Grampa” and “Big Jim/Beluga Jim” with the highest level of enthusiasm.  Mackenna Lee, Lincoln James, Gunnar Willis, and Dahlila Grace will share the memories of silliness, shenanigans, and his love for years to come.  James also leaves behind a wealth of family who will cherish him forever with a warm heart: his former spouse and forever friend Ricki Kamberg-Gilbert of South Barrington, Illinois, his sister Stephanie Gilbert of Sycamore, Illinois, and the entire Kamberg Family.

If your heart is so moved to honor James Lee Gilbert, please consider making a donation to the Quincy Park District: Department of Recreation or the National Little League Association.  

The family will gather over the Fourth of July to celebrate his life.  Additional opportunities for trading stories, laughs, and memories will occur during early summer (exact date TBD) in the Chicagoland area, and Harvest season (exact date TBD) in Quincy, Illinois.