After a valiant 10-month battle with cancer, James “Jim” Gilligan passed away Aug. 8, 2024. He was born Nov. 29, 1944, to Myrtle and James, and was predeceased by his brother Tom.
Jim is survived by Ann née Bogosian, his loving wife of 57 blissful years, and his three children, Jennifer Kelly, her husband Dan and their children, Erin and Aidan Kelly; Jimmy Gilligan, his wife Rebecca Ollert and their children, Olivia and Evan Gilligan; and John Gilligan, his wife Sarah Stassi, and their son Miles Steger. Jim is also survived by a younger sister, Elizabeth “Betty Ann,” and her partner Brian Karsif.
Jim was born and raised in Bayonne until 1954 when he moved with his family to Rumson. After graduating from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School in 1963, Jim joined the United States Army and proudly served his country for three years. Upon returning home to the States, Jim began his career as a telephone lineman at NJ Bell (now Verizon) where he remained a dedicated employee for 37 years. Shortly after retiring, he and Ann moved to Milton, Delaware. Jim will be remembered by many for his ability to make people laugh and feel welcome wherever he went. He will be forever loved, cherished and missed by his family.
A celebration of Jim’s life has been planned for 11 a.m. Sept. 7 at Goshen United Methodist Church, 103 Mulberry St., Milton, Delaware. Visitation with the family will begin at 10:30 a.m. Per the family’s wishes, casual summer attire is requested for those who plan to attend and in lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to Goshen United Methodist Church.
Please visit Jim’s Life Memorial at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
The article originally appeared in the August 15 – 21, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
