Cover photo for James A. Gilbert's Obituary
James A. Gilbert Profile Photo
1948 James 2020

James A. Gilbert

September 19, 1948 — January 17, 2020

POWNAL

James A. Gilbert, 71, a resident of Route 346, North Pownal, died Friday, January 17, 2020 at Southwestern Vermont Medical following a long illness.

Born in Danbury, CT September 19, 1948, he was the son of Genevieve (Gould) Gilbert and the late John R. Gilbert. He received his education in the Danbury schools and received his Bachelor's Degree in Earth Science from Western Connecticut State Collage. James served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.

Jim as he preferred to be called was a true Renaissance man, working in many fields over his lifetime. He was a self-employed master carpenter for many years. A lifelong teacher both professionally and informally, he taught at Broadview Junior High School in Danbury and taught in the Building Trades program at the Career Development Center in Bennington. He was passionate about sharing his knowledge with anyone with an open ear. Jim also served as the Town Health Officer in Pownal for several years.

He was a lover of all types of music and could play nearly every musical instrument. His passion was evident in his desire to "jam" with anyone he had the opportunity to play with or teach the younger generations to play. He also was a collector of all things historical; especially arrow heads that he would find on his property in North Pownal. Jim was an avid gardener, growing and tending fruits and vegetables in his garden to harvest, sell and share.

Survivors include four children James Gilbert Jr of New Milford, CT, Aaron Gilbert of Pownal, Russell Gilbert of Cameron Texas and Rebecca Gilbert of New Haven, CT; his mother, Genevieve Gilbert of New Fairfield, CT; several grandchildren including grandsons, Patric and Liam and granddaughter Rhiana; two sisters, Genevieve Harrison of Sherman, CT and Madeline Villani of New Fairfield and a brother, John R. Gilbert Jr., also of New Fairfield; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

'What a long strange trip it's been' " The Grateful Dead

A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2020 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Odd Fellows Hall, 25 Danbury Road, New Milford, CT 06776.

Should friends desire memorial contributions in James A. Gilbert's memory may be made to the Vermont Historical Society through the office of the Mahar & Son Funeral Home, 628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201.

Guestbook condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James A. Gilbert, please visit our flower store.

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Saturday, February 8, 2020

3:00 - 6:00 pm (Eastern time)

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