Jim Gale

April 5, 1937 - August 30, 2014
Wilmington, IL

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Visitation

Wednesday, September 3, 2014
3:00 PM to 8:00 PM CDT
Reeves & Baskerville
Wilmingtion Location
700 East Kahler Road
Wilmington, IL 60481
(815) 476-2181
Driving Directions

Life Story / Obituary


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Jim Gale was a man of integrity who served his community in countless ways. Through his many accomplishments, he will be remembered for his good natured ways and gracious, giving spirit. As a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Jim will be fondly missed as he leaves much to be remembered in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Jim's story began in the year 1937 as American's continued to struggle through the later years of the Great Depression. An eventful year altogether, the Golden Gate Bridge was brought to completion, and aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart’s disappearance continues to remain a mystery. Born on April 5, 1937, the birth of James Keith Gale was a most welcome event in the lives of his parents, Keith and Mary Margaret (Cushing) Gale of Morris, Illinois.

Having been raised in Morris, Jim attended the area schools and enjoyed a childhood typical of the times. His father was a musician, yet his mother and stepfather, Bill Black raised Jim. Bill was a good and loving role model to Jim, and took him on as his own. As a homemaker, Jim's mother looked after Jim and his siblings, and later worked in a local doctor's office. During Jim's junior year, his family moved to Coal City where he went on to graduate from Coal City High School with the Class of 1955.

To further his education, Jim attended Western Illinois University. He left his schooling behind for a time when in March of 1958 he was inducted into the U.S. Army. Jim served in the Pacific until his honorable discharge. Much was on the horizon for Jim shortly after returning home from the service. One night while out at Campo's Lounge in Diamond, he met a pretty young woman named Aldeene Rink who ignited a forever spark in Jim's heart. He asked if she was, “gonna finish that pizza?”, and before long they began dating.

On July 14, 1962, Jim married his sweetheart at Saint Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington and celebrated their special day to the sounds of their wedding song, Moon River. Fr. McDonald married them and also went on to marry both of their daughters, as well. Together they made their home and raised their family in Wilmington. Jim worked as an IBEW #1942 Stewart and at Amoco Oil before returning to school in 1964 to become a real estate broker.

For more than 35 years, Jim sold real estate throughout the area. He owned and operated Gale Real Estate until eventually retiring. But Jim's career was not just about finding forever homes for families or acquiring land for businesses to thrive. For 26 years, Jim was a respected and well known veteran of Will County politics. When he was first elected to office, Jimmy Carter was the U.S. President. Throughout the years he participated in 36 elections, winning all with the exception of one. Through politics and campaigning, Jim loved driving his convertible in the local parades.

Jim helped bring two business parks, a national tall grass prairie and a national cemetery to his district. He supported the I&M Canal National Heritage Corridor project, and served on the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Veterans Support Committee. As a result of his efforts, Will Grundy Contractors awarded Jim with the, “We Build Award” for which he was honored.

Jim also served four years on the Wilmington City Council. As a county board member, he served on the Capitol Improvements Committee, Finance and Operations Committee, and the Will County Adult Entertainment Watchdog Group. As a commissioner on the Will County Forest Preserve, he was a chair on the Will County Land Use Committee, and was appointed chairman of the Joliet Arsenal Reuse Committee by former Congressman, George Sangmeister.

Devout to his faith, Jim and his family were active members of Saint Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington where Jim served as a Eucharistic Minister. He was also on the board of directors of Galowich YMCA, was a member of the Wilmington Lions Club, charter member of the Coal City Area Club and belonged to the Knights of Columbus and the Wilmington Moose Lodge #241. Jim had a great love for his community and was committed to its growth and prosperity. Well liked and personable, he put his heart into all he did for the benefit of those around him.

In his free time, Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping, and took great pleasure in traveling. Through top real estate sales on various occasions during his career, Jim won numerous trips to destinations such as Hawaii, Las Vegas and Mexico just to name a few. One of his greatest memories included a trip to Disney where wonderful times were shared with his family. His favorite melodies included those from his younger years from artists such as Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. When it came to movies, Casablanca was a the top of his list, but Blazing Saddles was his all-time favorite.

Family life was a stronger lure for Jim than politics. He cherished his family and even with his talented career, Jim counted his greatest accomplishment as raising his two daughters who provided him with four beautiful grandchildren. He was eagerly in the waiting room for the birth of each of his grandchildren whom he absolutely adored. When Jim retired, his desire was to spend more time with his grandchildren than he was able with his own children. Rather than spending time on land acquisition matters and zoning cases, he wanted to focus on learning about Spongebob Squarepants and Scooby Doo.

Jim's greatest joy was found in the family he loved. He set a fine example for his children to live by, and provided well for those entrusted to his care. Jim leaves cherished memories to be treasured in the lives of many he touched and served with ways all his own.

James K. Gale, age 77, of Wilmington, passed away Saturday morning, August 30, 2014 at his home. Survivors include his loving wife of 52 years, Aldeene; two daughters: Cindy Gale of Naperville and Sheri (Steve) Smith of Joliet; four grandchildren: Alexis Mansfield, Taylor Mansfield, Brianne Smith and Gavin Smith; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Bob and Martha Rink of Wilmington, Gary and Diane Rink of Coal City and Diane and Ned Robertson of Manteno; numerous nieces and nephews; a host of friends; and his faithful companion, Lucky Lady. Jim was preceded in death by his parents: Keith Gale and Mary and Bill Black; a brother, Billy Black; and his father and mother-in-law: Al and Libby Rink.

Visitation and a video tribute will be held Wednesday, September 3, 2014 from 3-8pm at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington. Funeral services will follow Thursday morning, September 4th at 10:00am at Saint Rose Catholic Church, 604 South Kankakee Street in Wilmington where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Steve Bondi officiating. Burial with full military honors will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood. Pallbearers: Bobby Rink, Alex Rink, Tim Rink, Neddy Robertson, Denny Costello and Jacob Garvey. Honorary pallbearers: Ron Habing, Jack Tyler, Benny Holman and Marvin Giordano. Preferred memorials in Jim's memory to Kuzma Care Cottage, 635 South Main Street, Wilmington, Illinois 60481. To share a favorite memory and photo of Jim and to sign his online guest book, please visit www.BaskervilleFuneral.com where funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815/476-2181).