Obituary of James Gillman

March 27, 1945 – February 23, 2026

James “Jim” Gillman. Age 80 of Flat Rock.

Beloved husband of the late Laura Gillman. Loving father of Cathy (Steve) Kamin and Todd Gillman. Dear brother of Ed (Judy) Gillman, Roy (Cathy) Gillman Jr and Rita Meade. Also survived by 7 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter.

Jim grew up in Romulus, Michigan. He attended his first year of high school at Flat Rock High School where he became the first wrestler to win a match in their first season of wrestling.  Jim would end up finishing his final three years of high school in Roscommon MI, Class of 1963.

Jim moved to Flat Rock after high school and was married to Laura Spoehr on November 6, 1965. Jim and Laura raised their family in South Rockwood, MI from 1967 to 1986 and then moved to his current residence in Flat Rock, MI. 

Jim worked for the railroad for 40 years and was a long standing member of the DT&I old timers. 

In his retirement, he enjoyed going camping with his wife Laura to Waffle Farms where they made many wonderful friends. Jim lost his wife in 2016 and in the years following he continued to go every summer with his dog Sam. 

Jim could talk to anyone and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He never thought he would be so lucky to get to have a great granddaughter. He was deeply loved will be greatly missed. 

A celebration of life will be held on Friday March 27 at Community Lutheran Church in Flat Rock Michigan from 5:30-8:00 p.m.