AUBURN – James Wollaston Gillespie, 78, of Rangeley, and Barefoot Bay, FL, formerly of Clive St., North Quincy, Mass., passed away peacefully on Aug. 7, 2008 at the Androscoggin Hospice House in Auburn.
He was born in Dorchester, Mass., on Aug. 26, 1929, the son of Donald F. and Anna (Wollaston) Gillespie. He attended Quincy, Mass. schools.
James was a veteran of WWII, serving in the 7th Infantry Division of the US Army and was a member of the American Legion Post 120 in Rangeley, ME.
Jim had a distinguished career in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts serving as president of the State, County and Municipal Workers Union and on the Board of Advisors for the New England Sports Museum. He was appointed commissioner for the Parks and Recreation Department of the Metropolitan District Commission, serving in that position until his retirement in 1987. While employed by the MDC, he was very excited to initiate many special programs for the disabled.
Jim cherished his time in Maine at Beaver Mountain Lake with his wife and family.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joan; sons, James of Cape May, NJ, Scott of Marshfield, Mass. and Rance of New Bedford, Mass.; daughters, Dawne Marshall of Quincy, Mass., Gayle Martin of Pembroke, Mass. and Joann Rootsey of Indialantic, FL; brother, Rance Gillespie of Squantum, Mass.; sister, Andrea Gillespie of San Diego, CA; 16 grandchildren; one great granddaughter; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, David.
Memorial services will be held, 2 p.m., Aug. 16, 2008 at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Main St., Rangeley. Gifts in Jim’s memory may be made to the Androscoggin Hospice House, 236 Stetson Rd., Auburn, ME 04210. Arrangements are in the care of the Wiles Funeral Home, Cremation Service & Remembrance Center, 137 Farmington Falls Rd., Farmington, ME 04938. Words of condolence may be sent to wilesfuneralhomes@verizon.net
