James E. "Jim" Gilson, 89, a lifelong Norwalk, Ohio resident, passed from this life to the next on December 31, 2022, at Fisher-Titus Medical Center.  He was born in Norwalk on February 6, 1933, to the late Alva and Dorothy (Rose) Gilson and graduated from Norwalk High School.

Jim worked for the former Rotary Printing Company for 26 years and was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church in Norwalk.

A former athlete, Jim played several sports when he was younger, but especially enjoyed baseball, and was an avid Ohio sports fan, following with great hope (and often times subsequent disappointment) the Cleveland Browns, Indians (Guardians) and Cavaliers, as well as the Ohio State Buckeyes.  He built many fond memories supporting his children and grandchildren's own athletic endeavors as well. Jim also enjoyed being outdoors, hiking, walking, and camping.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Pauline (Smith) Gilson; their children, Richard (Cheryl) Gilson of Michigan, Ronald (Julie) Gilson of Norwalk, Sheryl (Joe) Wilhelm of Monroeville, and Sandra Leto of Norwalk; grandchildren, Ryan (Katie) Gilson, Megan (Anthony) Stempin, Ashley (Dan) Krupp, Angela (Matt) Upson, Amanda (Aaron) Niese, Abby Wilhelm, Jacob (Rachel) Gilson, Kaitlyn Gilson, Danielle (Geoff) Dendinger, and Derek Leto; and great grandchildren, Scout and Porter Krupp, Kennedy Niese, Theo Gilson, and Aiden and Leo Dendinger.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his son in-law, Ron Leto.

Private family services will be held with burial in St. Paul Catholic Cemetery.  Memorial contributions in Jim's honor may directed to St. Paul Catholic Church, 91 E. Main St., Norwalk, Ohio, or to Southern Care Hospice, 9501 US Hwy 250 N Suite 2, Milan, OH 44846, who the family would also like to thank for Jim's loving care.  Online memories and expressions of sympathy to the family may be made by visiting: www.walkereastmanheydingerfh.com