James Edgar Gilmore

Mr. James Gilmore of Pine City died Wednesday at the Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, MN at the age of 82 years surrounded by his family. James was born in Blairsville, Pennsylvania on December 15, 1929 to John and Laura Gilmore. Shortly after graduating from high school James enlisted in the United States Air Force where he started his career in the military. He flew 233 missions as Crew Chief/Flight Engineer on a AC-47 "Spooky" Gunship, or also known as "Puff, the Magic Dragon". During this Vietnam era James received two Distinguished Flying Crosses and several Air Metals during combat operations. After returning home from Vietnam, James started his second twenty year career as a letter carrier for the Richfield Post Office. In 1990, James and Jean built a home on Cross Lake in Pine City where they spent their retirement years. James enjoyed deer hunting and was an active member of the Heath-Perkins American Legion Post #51 and Novak-Milliren VFW Post #4258 of Pine City. James Gilmore is survived by his children: Mark Gilmore and his wife Kathy of Bloomington, Keith Gilmore and wife Mattie of Pine City, Chris Gilmore and wife Cookie of Pine City, Jamie Gilmore of Minneapolis, Jim Gilmore and wife Kathy of Lakeville, Lori Enselein and husband Chas of Oakdale, grandchildren: Meredith, Ryan, Miranda, Adam, Jennifer, Beth, Charles and Jake, great grandchildren Taylor and Dylan, and siblings Jake, Sue and Isabel. James Gilmore was preceded in death by his parents John & Laura Gilmore, wife Jean in 2010, grandson Eric Gilmore and seven siblings. Pastor Lyn Sahr will officiate a memorial service for James Gilmore; 1:00 p.m. Friday (10/12/12) at the Swanson Chapel in Pine City. A time of visitation is planned for one hour prior to the service. Military honors will be provided by the Novak-Milliren VFW, Heath Perkins American Legion and the Minnesota National Guard with an air fly over at approximately 3:00 p.m. Friday at the American Legion in Pine City. Memorials are preferred to: Commemorative Air Force MN; 310 Airport Road, South St. Paul, MN 55075 Funeral arrangements for James Gilmore of Pine City are entrusted to the: Funeral & Cremation Service of Pine City *Swanson Chapel* www.funeralandcremationservice.com