James "Jimmy G" Gillim

April 9, 2022

James "Jimmy G" Gillim. Passed on April 9th, 2022. The life and times of James Gillim, affectionally known by all as Little Jim (father James was big Jim), or to all in his professional circle as "Jimmy G". Everywhere he went he was well known for his demeanor and outgoingness, Especially in the auto and supplier industry. Born James Keith in Detroit, Michigan to parents Mamie and father James Conuel Gillim. His ancestry is of southern roots. His two siblings were brother Gary (Helga) Gillim and 4 children; and sister Debra (Dave) Collins and 2 children. Jim's son Keith (Lisa) Gillim and four children and daughter Christine (Mark) Wiseman with 2 children and 3 great grandchildren. And leaves numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was married to wife Sophie Gillim for 37 years. A tight bond and closely knit. They loved adventure and traveling together. Jim loved all sports but especially football and hockey. He played often with brother Gary Gillim, uncle Tom Addis and Tom James. They were known as the "Hockey Rink Rats". Growing up on the east side of Detroit, 904 Algonquin. The neighborhood was beautiful and everyone looked out for one another. Life was simple then... Belle Isle, Pizzas, Coney dogs - Yum! Jim grew up in the church. His father was a minister at River Rouge Free Will Baptist Church. He was baptized by his dad at age 10. Jim always trusted God in whatever path it led. John 3:16 was his favorite scripture and "Have thine own way" was one of his favorite songs. He loved going to the family cottage on Harsens Island, or floating down the Detroit River with friends for hours. He attended Cass Tech and Denby High School. However, Jim always wanted to work. He took to selling newspapers and quickly became top seller, 100 a day and 140 on Sundays. This earned him multiple trips. Chicago, Cedar Pointe, Washington D.C., etc. His first paying job was at Chathams Food Store on Kelly Rd. in Detroit. He started as stock boy and carryout. Tips were real good - and soon he moved on to Kroger for more. All this and he still managed to squeeze in going to Lafayette Coney Island or White Castle in Detroit. Two of his favorites. He went to Detroit Institute of Technology for 3 years and excelled in Accounting and then went on to open his own G & G Janitorial business. He built it up to have several clients Doctor, Dentists, etc. and then held this for several years. He then sold it to go in the auto industry. But Jim's first loved was cars. So he went into clay modeling. This was right up his alley. He worked for Chrysler, then onto American Motors Corp. (AMC) where for 22 years he thrived. He also became a top UAW negotiator for his team modelers. They became the highest paid modelers in the auto industry. Designing show cars was in his blood. Jim left AMC and went to work for Heintz Pretcher Founder of the sun roofs on vehicles today. American sun roof, later known as American Specialty C. (ASC). Heintz saw in Jim a man of honor, integrity and strong work ethics. Heintz quickly relied on Jim to get things accomplished no matter the task. Jim rose quickly to Director of Design/Engineering. Heintz Pretcher gave him the opportunity to also open up as International Studio in Warren, MI. Multiple automotive projects, International auto shows, etc. GM became just one of their biggest clients. In the mean time, Jim and wife Sophie loved sailing their 42' Pearson yacht on Lake St. Clair and the Great Lakes. It was called "Sophie's Choice" and could be seen by all with it's Red/White/Blue sails. Many were entertained on board. Then came traveling across the USA. Both Jim and Sophie really enjoyed visiting Presidential libraries, etc. Jim's favorite vacation spot however, was Gatlinburg Tennessee, or the Upper Peninsula. Spending time with Sophie and her family and events. He loved Valentines day and looked forward to each card he received from her and her writing to him. He often told others how blessed he was to have her and often said of her compassion. If she had a million dollars - she would give it all away to others in need - He loved and admired her for that. After Jim retired from ASC, he took a short break and then went to work for Shelby Bible Church and Pastor Howard Casey. Jim loved this man and had the highest respect for him. Many projects were completed for the church. Jim was also an Usher and Deacon in the church. Jim's loved of all music, Motown, Opera with Sophie, but especially gospel. He loved singing in Shelby Bibles choir under director Randy Riepma, another man he cherished. He loved being part of the drama team as well. He's doing a little toe tapping to God's music in heaven now. Jim's life was full, much more than can be defined here. Some of the other close friends he cherished were, Steve Nowicki, Christopher Dowdy, both extremely talented designers, Frank Scherr - a top auto painter and restoration expert. Dan Devins and George Cordo - a genius in fabrication, and his neighbor Gary Rotzoll - he adored him like a son and teased him about his shiny bald head. His favorite sports buddy was his sister-in-law "Marion". He as impressed with her knowledge of football and loved it when they watched play for play or even over the phone for hours. Jim's love of family was kept close to his heart. He delighted in whatever time or phone calls he could have with them. A saying on a card sums things up: "As some people journey through life, they leave footprints of kindness and love; courage and compassion; joy and faith. Even when they're gone, the trail they've left behind continues to inspire us." Jim is now serving God faithfully in God's kingdom. He's now the "Twinkling Star" that wife Sophie says is in the sky as she looks to it. Ecclesiastes 7:1-2 states "A good name is better than fine perfume, and at the day of death, better than the day of birth. For death is the destiny of every man and the living should take to heart". Some of Jim's favorite songs were: "This Love of Mine" by Michael Booth "I will always love you" By Dolly Parton "Angel (Fly away)" By trio Il Volo He leaves us with the scripture verse in Ephesians 2:10 & James 4:14 "We're all God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God has prepared in advance for us to do," "For you are a mist that appears for a little while, and then vanishes." *There will be no public service* But for those who wish to make a donation in Jim's memory - Some of his favorites were: *Operations Smile *Paws with a cause *Leader Dogs for the blind *Shelby Bible Church - "Needy fund to help others" God Bless you all and hope that those who knew "Jimmy G" were touched by man and his smiles. "He will always be loved and never forgotten" - Wife Sophie