James W. Gilfillan
Born January 27, 1927
James W. Gilfillan, age 90, of Newark, DE and formerly of New Castle, DE, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 27, 2017.
Born in Philadelphia, PA on January 27, 1927, James was the son of the late Thomas and Louvie (Gregory) Gilfillan. He proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Navy during WWII and then reenlisted with the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Following his military service, James and his wife moved to New Castle to begin raising their 5 children. He worked as a block operator for the Pennsylvania Railroad and later for Amtrak, retiring after 38 years.
James was a member of Our Lady of Fatima R.C. Church in New Castle. He was the family handyman and he loved traveling with his wife of 62 years. In his retirement, James mastered the craft of stained glass and created many beautiful pieces of art as gifts for family and friends. A devoted and loving father, brother, grandfather and great grandfather, James will be very dearly missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Georgiana Louise (French) Gilfillan; and siblings, Ralph Gilfillan, Howard Gilfillan and Eleanor McLeer. James is survived by his children, James Gilfillan (Diane) of North East, MD, Kathleen Nagle of Newark, Suzanne DelCoglin (Richard) of Newark, Timothy Gilfillan of Sunderland, MA and Joseph Gilfillan (Jeff) of Decatur, GA; sister, Ruth Michel; 9 grandchildren; and 12 great grandchildren.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:00 am until 11:00 am on Monday morning, April 3, 2017 at Our Lady of Fatima R.C. Church, 801 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:00 am. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19808.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Oblate Sisters of St. Francis de Sales, 399 Childs Road, Childs, MD 21916.
Joan Callaghan
Dear Suzanne and family,
I feel so sad for your loss but I am sure there is solace knowing that he is with your mom. I have two of his stained glass creations and think of him when I take them out each year. All of you are in my prayers and I will remember him at Mass tomorrow.
Love,
Joan Callaghan
William L. Bryan
A good railroader.
A good man.
Worked as Signal Maintainer, spent time with Mr. Gilfillan at Wilmington tower and Bell Tower.
Always good to me, taught me valuable lessons.
From me and all of mine
To you and all of yours
RIP Sir
Georgianna Maurer
My thoughts and prayers are with the Gilfillan family during this time of loss. Uncle Jim’s suffering on this earth is over and his rewards in Heaven are just beginning.
Dennis Healy
RIP
Mary & Joe Monahan
To Tim & All the Gilfillan Family,
We are very sorry you had to part with your beloved father and grandfather. Jim was a wonderful person whom we were delighted to know. We enjoyed many moments with him and your good mother, Georgie, over the years.
We, too, are privileged to have some of his beautiful handiwork of stained glass items. They will always be happy reminders of the fine
man Jim was. No doubt he is now enjoying the fruits of his labors in Heaven with the love of his life, your mom. No harm can ever touch them as they are in the loving arms of Our Lord God.
God bless all who knew Jim and will greatly miss him.
Lovingly,
Mary & Joe
Sharon Rose (TYSKA) Hamill
To my Gilfillan family l an so sorry, l have a court case to attend tomorrow. I asked if we could start a few hours later, but this case has been going on from Dec. 7 2000. Please except my deepest sympathies, l always enjoyed my time with Uncle Jim. My husband Tom has a doctors appointment that can’t be changed.
Tom & I have all my Gilfillans in our thoughts and pairs.
Love Aunt Sharon &
Uncle Tom Hamill
Jay Gilfillan
Bill, Thanks for your kind words.
Jay