James H. Gilbert, 78, died unexpectedly Dec. 16, 2007, at Penobscot Bay Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family, after a brief illness.
Born in Goldens Bridge, N.Y., on Jan. 14, 1929, he was the son of James R. and Grace D. (Quinn) Gilbert. During high school, Jim played the trumpet in the school dance band. He went to work for his grandfather at King Lumber in Katona, N.Y., where he began a career in the lumber and hardware business. This work took him to Michigan, Indiana, Connecticut and Massachusetts.
On June 11, 1975, he married Laureen "Reeny" Mullen. In 1976, they moved to Camden from Mattapoisett, Mass. In 1986 Jim and Reeny became innkeepers when they purchased the Camden Harbor Inn, which they owned and operated for 10 years. In 1988, they opened Gilberts Publick House off Bay View Street in Camden.
Jim was a member of the Camden-Rockport-Lincolnville Chamber of Commerce and the Camden Rotary Club. He was an avid Boston Red Sox fan and enjoyed following the New England Patriots. He loved all kinds of music and singing at family gatherings. His excellent bass voice could often be heard singing his favorite songs of the swing era, the classics and folk songs. Jim was always willing to lend a hand to those in need through his quiet generosity. His dynamic and outgoing personality helped him meet life head on, doing it his way. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor and as one of the last true gentlemen in town.
He was predeceased by his parents; and a brother, Robert Gilbert.
He is survived by his wife, Laureen "Reeny" Gilbert, of Camden; his six children, William K. Gilbert and his wife, Luanne, of Lakeville, Mass., Mark J. Gilbert of Sarasota, Fla., Jeffrey C. Gilbert of Collinsville, Conn., Melissa D. Yandell and her husband, John, of Lincolnville, Craig S. Gilbert of Westbrook, and Kimberly G. Kasper and her husband, Leonard, of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.; one sister, Grace G. Meinhold of Largo, Fla.; a sister-in-law, Letitia Gilbert of Rome, N.Y.; 11 grandchildren, Jennifer, Matthew, and Christopher Gilbert, Nathaniel, Kara, and Ryan Gilbert, Stacey, Rachael, and John P. Yandell, and Justin and Cassie Kasper; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be Friday, Dec. 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Long Funeral Home at 9 Mountain St. in Camden. Family services will be private. A public open house will be announced in honor of Jim in January 2008 at Gilberts Publick House.
Memorial donations may be made to the Camden Rotary Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 602, Camden, ME 04843; or Steelin Thunder Music Scholarship, c/o Camden Hills Regional High School, 25 Keelson Drive, Rockport, ME 04856.