James John “Jim” Gestwicki II
January 29, 1953 - June 10, 2024
James John “Jim” Gestwicki II, age 71, of Townsend, DE, passed away on Monday, June 10, 2024.
Born in Wilmington, DE on January 29, 1953, he was a son of Patricia (Tomczak) Gestwicki and the late Leon Francis Gestwicki. Jim was a graduate of Gunning Bedford High School. He made his career as a lineman at Delmarva Power for over 40 years until his retirement.
Deep in his faith, Jim was an active member and Lay Leader at St. Georges United Methodist Church. He enjoyed giving back to his community as a volunteer at the Seaman Center of Wilmington; as well as Meals on Wheels and on the Board of Directors of the Historical Society of St. Georges. Jim also was a platelet donor at the Blood Bank of Delaware. An avid outdoorsman, he loved spending his free time in nature and had a passion for animals of all kinds.
In addition to his father, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Mitchell Gestwicki; and two granddaughters. He is survived by his loving wife, Susan Jean (McCaffery) Gestwicki; mother, Patricia Gestwicki; children, Chris Gestwicki (Dani), Philip Gestwicki (Rosanna), and Michele Alexander (Corey); siblings, Duane Gestwicki (Debra), Eileen Hohberger (Dale), and Theresa Yetter (Chuck); eight grandchildren; and many extended family members.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:30 am until 1 pm on Monday, June 17, 2024, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 East Main Street, Middletown, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 1 pm. Interment will be held privately in St. Georges Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to St. Georges United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 145, St. Georges, DE 19733 or online by clicking here.
Jay
Jim, you always loved surprises, you always love surprising people you sure surprised us all on this one. Nobody expected you to move to the other side so young and full of life.
You always set a high standard for optimism, and living a good life and helping your fellow man. You will certainly be missed by so many. Thanks for being a good human being too so many people. Rest in peace, Jim
Kyle Bendler
It’s hard to know what to say except that Jim was like a second father to me and he treated me like a son. I will cherish all the memories that I have with him, Phil and Sue but my fondest will always be his obvious love for Christ and his desire to share Christ with others. This goodbye is temporary and I look forward to that great “wedding banquet” when we are all joined together with Jesus. My prayers are with you Sue, Phil and Chris, I’m here whatever the need may be. Praying for all of you in this trying time. Psalm 46: 1. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth.
9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.
10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
John Wiktor
Jim- you were a very special person and good friend to both myself and my family. I’ll never forget your strong grip and handshake in greeting after not seeing each other in some time. I will miss all the stories and talk of our Polish heritage. Thank you for welcoming me into the family and also for being my friend. All my love and prayers are with Sue, Michelle and family. May God bless you and protect your family in this time of sorrow. Love, John & Amy Wiktor
Jay Lester
It was a honor to have had you as a friend. You were always a exemplary
Person always willing to go the extra mile to help someone in need. You will be missed by many.
Stan Harrison
My Step-cousin Jimmy was an integral part of my youth. He took me to many events and concerts at the spectrum with my Sister Linda, Plus, he rode cool motorcycles,
Rest in peace Cuz.
Beth DeLong
Sending my heartfelt condolences to Jimmy’s family. He was always a ray of sunshine. I am so sorry for your loss. May God be with you all during this most difficult time.
Scott & Dawn Baker
We are so sorry to read of Jimmy’s passing. We always enjoyed seeing his happy face. God be with your family and give you His peace♥️
Amy Wiktor
Sue, Michelle and Jim’s entire family, I am so very sorry for this unexpected and devastating loss. Jimmy was a bright light in our family and always put a smile on my face! The last chat I had with him just a week or so prior he threw his arm around my shoulder and was telling me a funny story and we laughed and laughed. He was a good man and will be greatly missed by so many. I hope that some of your beloved memories will carry you through this very difficult time. We love you all.
Kevin
There’s certain people I never felt comfortable calling them by their first name, Mr. Gestwicki is definitely one of them, he treated us kids in St.Georges so good. He took us places, let us hang out, fed us and really was one of the kindest people I’ve known who will be missed by many
Walter
Jimmy was a very genuine guy. He started ministering to me ten years ago when I was going through hard times, and never stopped since. He would send me daily bread books whenever a new one came out and would send me devotionals through the bible app at least three times a week. He was great friend and co-worker. Gonna miss you pal.
Carol and Wayne
One only has to read these condolences to know how loved Jim was. I had to laugh at the one about surprises but it sure was a sad and shocking surprise. Still having trouble processing Jim and Sue were with us just a week before he passed he seemed so healthy and was his usual happy joking self The Daily Bread was also passed around up here in NE PA. His faith was very strong and he talked freely to others about the importance of knowing Jesus as your savior and this is exactly his point you never know when God is going to call you home. We will miss his visits and laughter Sue and family we will be praying for your during g these difficult days
Richard Streaker
Sincere condolences to family.
Mark Bouman
“Jimmy”, as we knew him was an incredible inspiration to many. Always very upbeat and would graciously do anything, for anyone (but you all know that!). We pray for comfort for all friends and family but know that Jimmy’s in heaven now! Love you all! ❤️
Bryon Doyle
Such a loss to this world and our community. Mr. Gestwicki was like a second father to myself and a lot of us in Saint George’s. I think I spent more nights at Phil’s house than my own in the summer. He was full of wisdom, great advice, and a great example of moral character. He will be missed greatly.
Regina Lauria
I am deeply sorry for your Loss,I only had the pleasure to know briefly when he would pick crew members up and deliver packages to them from the seamen’s center. But he was a gentle soul I’m glad I had the pleasure. My condolences to the family at such a difficult time
Linda Harrison
I have no words for this truly devastating loss of “Jimmy John”, whom I have known my entire life. So many memories, so many laughs. My heart is broken.
Diane Ryan
Love, prayers and thoughts to the entire Gestwicki family. Jimmy was such a wonderful man. May all of your loving memories carry you though this most difficult time.God Bless.
Betty Tomczak and Diane Tomczak Ryan
Thomas A Machulski
It was by chance that i met you at the Dog House on route 13 getting a Hot dog . I turned around and i recognized you with the crew cut . I had not seen you in years . what a chance meeting . I remember your Dad coming to our house on Harrison St & his Sad passing at the Basket Ball game with his daughter . God Bless you And may we meet again . Thomas A Machulski
Philip Gestwicki
I’m thankful to have a father that showed me where true joy came from. I’m thankful that he showed me that this life is temporary, & in the end, not much else matters except serving God, and serving people. “I grieve, but not like those who have no hope”. My father died with his “boots on”…still serving, still volunteering, still evangelizing for the gospel, and still trying to be a light in this dark world. I shall see you again, Dad, at the feet of Christ!
Tom Hobson
So sorry for your your loss. Jim will be missed. Tom Hobson (DPL)
steven paul harrison
I havent seen jimmy much in the past three decades as i have been living in different parts of the country. Last time i believe was at my mothers funeral around 2008 but he was the same as i remember him when i was younger. Always a warm happy smile, an eagerness to serve, and a friendliness that just came from him naturally. You could always be at ease in his company. Its a crazy world we are living in now and every once in a while you come across a truly good soul. Jimmy was that.I regret i didnt get to know him better and the Gestwicki family in these latter stages of life But a shining soul from a shining family. My best wishes for him on his soul journey (he is not gone just not in our vision) for whatever god has in store for him and best wishes to the gestwicki family. i know i never see you guys but you are the best,i havent forgotten your smiles
Steven Harrison
Clearwater Florida
Philip Gestwicki
Dads Funeral
It’s so easy to forget that life on this earth is temporary! We are simply passing through, vessels, carrying an important message to the world. One day we shall stand before the Lord, and give an account of what we have done with the time and resources he gave us.
“ “But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.”
James 2:18-19 NIV
Dad and I would talk about this theme all the time. As I’ve been processing how quickly this news came about, I realize it’s probably gonna hit me wave after wave as I recall Fantastic memories I’ve had over the years.
We would often share Bible verses together, devotionals in the Versión Bible app, pictures of birds we noticed, while hiking a trail, or prayer requests as life dealt us circumstances, and people in our lives that were on our prayer list .
I’m reminded of many cool father & son experiences like :
-hiking a trail in the Appalachian mountains
-camping in Maine, where the black flies were so thick that they would bite your legs until you bleed
-white water rafting, one of many different times in the Youghigheny River, and always asking our raft guide about how many people didn’t “survive” the trip
-winter retreats and tobogganing in the Catskill mountains in New York
-or a Phillies game that we got to sit on the third base line and even get a baseball Hit foul.
Dad explained where true joy comes from, always reminded me that life here is temporary, the importance of serving others. And where shall I start? Volunteering at church, being a lay leader, being on the historical society, donating at the blood bank all the time, coaching Little League, serving at the Seamen’s center in Wilmington, tithing his money to church and other good causes, and always being available when someone asked him for help.
He ALWAYS pushing me outside of my comfort zone to do more than I thought I was able to accomplish.
WE ALL ONLY GET ONE SHOT AT THIS LIFE. “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment,”
Hebrews 9:27 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/heb.9.27.NIV
Don’t wait until it’s too late to tell someone you love them, ask forgiveness or forgive other people that have wronged you, even the ones you don’t think deserve it !
I pray that each, and every person here would learn to “ number their days “ just a scripture tells us to do, to “think about our own mortality”
The same God that my dad loved and had a relationship with is the same God that has a plan, and a purpose for you. You are all dearly loved, and are offered a tremendous gift in Jesus Christ’s plan for Salvation that gives us eternal life.
The, 400 + people that I saw at the funeral and viewing were a testimony of incredible influence, joy, honor, and legacy that my father left with the people that he met. What an incredible reminder of what’s important. I couldn’t be more thankful for all of the people that took the time to introduce themselves and explain how they knew my Dad. God bless!
Skip Jenkins
It’s been a very long time since I have heard the name Gestwicki, I played little league baseball in the early eighties with Chris and his dad was one of the coaches with Paul Dunsmore. I still have the team picture with Chris, his dad and I along with the rest of the team. My deepest condolences to the family and close friends.