James Carl Gilman, 72, of Mellette, died Friday, March 28, 2008, at his home in Mellette. His memorial service will be Saturday, April 5, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. Burial of his ashes will be in the Mellette Cemetery.
James Carl Gilman otherwise known as "Tonsils" was born September 26, 1935 to Elmer and Irma (Rawstern) Gilman in Mellette, SD. He attended Mellette High School and graduated in 1953. Shortly after high school, he moved to Los Angeles, CA where he was a steelworker for 27 years. He moved back to Mellette, SD in 1981 and continued working for local businesses in the area. He moved to West Bend, WI in 1990 and worked miscellaneous jobs and soon retired. He moved back to Mellette in 2001 and resided there until his death.
Tonsils was an avid bike rider and always kept himself busy. He is survived by his two sisters-in-law Gayanna Gilman, Mellette, SD; Lois Gilman, Aberdeen SD; nine nieces and nephews, eleven great nieces and nephews, two great great nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his three siblings, Eleanor Murray, Ed Gilman and David (Tiny) Gilman