Survivors include two sons, Brian (Tracilu) Gillig and Brad (Bonnie) Gillig both of Tiffin; a daughter, Jami (Craig) Hepp of Tiffin; nine grandchildren, Tyler Gillig, Taylor and Katie Gillig, Samantha, Allison, Audrey and Kyle Hepp, Jessica Martin and Les Lehmann; two brothers, Mike “Smiley” (Diane) Gillig, of Columbus and Paul (Alberta) Gillig of Mt. Sterling, Ky.; four sisters, Patricia (Roger) Heckel of Columbus, Marilyn (Edward) Wangler of Lakewood, Susan (Terry) Weidner of Massillon, Christine (Leo) Rivera of Tiffin and a stillborn sister, Rosemary Gillig.
Jim was a 1960 Calvert High School graduate, and a 1964 Tiffin University graduate with a Bachelor degree in Business Administration. He was Assistant Vice President at the First National Bank of Tiffin and Republic Bank, the remaining 25 years was in sales where he met many great customers and friends, especially his dear friend and kidney donor Mary Gangway-Snyder, who helped extend his life for years. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, a football referee for Tiffin and the surrounding areas for many years, coached baseball for the Tiffin D League with great friends for 19 years.
His favorite days were to be poolside with family, watching all Ohio State sporting events, following Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Browns games, chauffeuring, running errands, and cooking for his children and grandchildren was always his top priority. Jim’s schedule was always centered around his grandchildren’s football, baseball, softball, volleyball, dance and cheerleading events. He loved to bake his famous cut out cookies for his neighbors, customers, and family each holiday season. Jim had a special gift for always talking with everyone and loved supporting Columbian athletic events.
Visitation with the family will be 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Sep 26, 2012 at Traunero Funeral Home and Crematory, 214 S. Monroe Street Tiffin, Ohio 44883 (419) 447-3113.
The funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Rev. Gary Walters will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Jim and Marilyn Gillig Dance Scholarship Fund at In Motion Dance Studio or to Columbian Athletic Boosters in care of the funeral home.