Mr. James Ronald Gill's Obituary
James "Jimmy" R. Gill June 2, 1963 - August 7, 2016
Jimmy was born June 2, 1963 in Brooklyn, New York to Ronald J. and Lorraine (nee Pepe) Gill. He was one of 4 siblings. His childhood was full of life, laughter, love and friendships. After high school, he worked for Brooklyn Union Gas Company. In 1993, Jimmy packed up from New York and headed to Florida where he ended up in Pompano Beach. He worked for Lou's Subs for 16 years as the manager. He absolutely loved that job and everyone that came in came to see his smiling face and hear all about sports. Jimmy was an avid sports fan. J E T S, Jets Jets, Jets. It used to eat the Dolphin fans up. He knew more useless sports trivia than anyone and should have been a sports announcer. He grew up going to Yankee Stadium and even cheered on the New York Rangers. He was a madman when it came to sports. Shortly after moving to Pompano Beach, he met Christi Allen and they became the best of friends. Once they were both single, they moved in together and dated for a month. On a trip to NC, they decided to get married, 2 days later, the day after Christmas. They were unstoppable. They had 2 children a couple of years later. He was a wonderful provider and was a very proud Daddy. Wanting only the best for his wife and children, they moved to Arcadia, FL, near Christi's mother, so that Christi could pursue her education in funeral services and raise the kids in a small town. Over the 8 years they were in Arcadia, he met many new friends and worked at Slim's. Jimmy was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer with metastasis to the liver in 2011 and the expected outcome was not good. Despite the odds, he fought hard and managed to continue to work while doing chemo. His will to survive was evident. He always made the most of his time with his children, as they were his life, his reason to live. The next 5 years had been plagued with troubles and obstacles but he always persevered and came out of them alive and well. Jimmy began working with Don Sellick, painting a few years ago. He had the strongest work ethic. He was not one to sit, he always had to be active.
His deepest love of all was for his wife, children and family. He spent all of his free time playing with and loving his children. His life was cut short by his choice and he leaves so many behind with broken hearts and unanswered questions. He is missed by many and loved by even more..
Jimmy is survived by his wife of nearly 13 years, Christi Allen Gill, of Bradenton, daughters; Addison and Caidyn Gill, mother, Lorraine Gill, of Staten Island, NY, Denise Andreana, of Staten Island, NY, Karen Hill and Ralph, of Clermont, FL, Frankie (Kathy) Gill, of NJ, Rachel Tedeschi and Tina Olive, of Cape Coral, mother and father in law, Mary and Terry Presson, Christi's Dad, Patrick Allen, brother in law, Brian and Andi Allen, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends made throughout his life. He was preceded in death by his father, Ronald James Gill.
A Celebration of Jimmy's Life will be held on Sunday, August 14, 2016 at First Presbyterian Church of Arcadia, 209 W. Hickory, Arcadia, FL, 34266. A small reception will follow in Pfrangle Hall.
A private committal service will take place in the early evening at Skyway Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jimmy's memory may be made to Moffitt Cancer Center or to the Gill family for the care of their children.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Skyway Memorial Funeral Home, Palmetto, FL. Online condolences can be made at www.SkywayMemorial.com
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