James Walter Gilmore

James Walter Gilmore, Sr, of Forsyth, Georgia, passed away Sunday, December 3, 2023. He was born on March 14, 1944, in Port St. Joe, Florida, and grew up in Palatka, Florida. He graduated from Palatka Sr. High School in 1963, where he was captain of both the football and baseball teams, was voted most athletic, and played on the state championship baseball team. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of West Florida in 1972. James began a long career in the US Army that commenced with being a Sentinel of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Color Guard in the 3rd U.S. Infantry in Fort Myers, Virginia.
James was passionate about many things in his life, with his faith and family being most important. He was an avid outdoorsman and was always active, whether fishing, hunting, gardening, or golfing. He was a lifelong learner with a do-it-yourself approach to life who was always improving his knowledge or learning new skills, going beyond the average enthusiast in anything he did. He made his own turkey calls and bows for hunting, he made his own boats for fishing, and he built furniture, fences, and sheds around the house. He grew an abundant garden and shared the fruits of his labor freely with neighbors, friends, and family. He was rarely seen without a dog at his side to whom he was devoted. He was also passionate about studying the Bible and sharing his knowledge. 
He is preceded in death by his mother, Fannie Lou Johnston Collins, father, Lenard Franklin “Sam” Gilmore, sister, Sadie Lou Dingley, and step-siblings Ella Faye Ansley, Nathaniel, Leroy, Isaac, and David Collins. He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, James Jr. and Claire Gilmore of Gulf Breeze, Fl, and Joe and Alina Gilmore of Tucker, GA; grandchildren, Jamey, Anna, Nolan, and Naomi Gilmore; siblings, Sammie J Carter (Jimmy), Linda F Gilmore, Clara B Parrish (Willard), Frank Collins, Jr. (Katrina), Yana Herold (Craig), Mary J Anisowicz (Michael), and Joan R O'Connell (Patrick); step-siblings, Jody Thomas, Ethel Moore, and Barbara Browning; nieces and nephews, Keith Collins, John B Singleton (Dannica), Jojeana Jernigan, Lauren R Vera (Hollis), Jonathan Collins (Melissa), Jennifer Morrow (Josh), Sarah Ewers (Evan), Brian Anisowicz, Alexia O'Connell, Stephen O'Connell, Frankie Collins ; and many other beloved relatives.
James spent much of his life fishing and exploring in the waters of the St. Johns River and its tributary, the Ocklawaha River. To honor the special place this area held in his heart, memorial gifts may be donated to the St. Johns Riverkeeper at www.stjohnsriverkeeper.org.
Monroe County Memorial Chapel has charge of arrangements.