James Franklin Gay

August 25, 1950 - April 2, 2012
James Franklin Gay

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Jim Gay

†

James Franklin (Jim) Gay, 61, of Williamsburg, died suddenly in his home on April 2, 2012.

Jim was born August 25, 1950 in San Diego, CA. He graduated from the University of Southern California in 1972 and became a Naval Flight Officer. †Before his retirement in 1992, he had accrued 3,500 hours in the P3 Orion where he served as a tactical officer in antisubmarine warfare.

Jim began his career at Colonial Williamsburg in 1993. He joined the organizationís Historic Foodways in 1996 and was a regular in the kitchens of Williamsburg creating 18th century dishes. He was known to one and all as the ìChocolate Manî.

He is survived by his wife, Janice, of Williamsburg; daughter Andrea West (Lt. Col Scott West, USAF), of Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota; four granddaughters Madeline, Abigail, Katherine and Emmaline of Grand Forks; †mother Gloria Gay, El Centro; Brother Bill (Susan) Gay, nephew John (Kitty) Gay, niece †Kathy (Greg) Verwer all of El Centro. †He was preceded in death by his father, Alex Gay, of El Centro.

A private observance will be held Wednesday morning in Williamsburg. A remembrance will be held Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. for coworkers, family and friends on the grounds of the Governorís Palace of Colonial Williamsburg. Interment will be in June in Arlington National Cemetery, Washington D.C.†

Arrangements are being made by Bucktrout Funeral Home in Williamsburg.

Memorial donations can be made to the Heritage Humane Society and the American Heart Association.


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  • April 10, 2012
    Mike Emerson says:
    Condolences and prayers to his family. Jim was a CUHS classmate and friend. He was always pleasant and kind. He will be missed. Mike Emerson La Jolla, California.

  • April 12, 2012
    Patricia Bedtelyon says:
    Condolences to Jim's family. It was a honor and pleasure to have known him at Colonial Williamsburg. He was inspirational in his ability to find an interest and enjoy doing it. I admire the way he studied chocolate and turned the knowledge and his abilities into a teaching tool to make this world a better place. He is missed.

  • May 09, 2012
    Beverly Benner says:
    It was a surprise to me to see Jim's name in an April obituary column and brought sadness to my heart. I remember Jim as a very cordial loving family man. And now both you and your musical instrument playing daughter and 4 grandchildren will miss him so very much. I am keeping you in my prayers as you grieve this loss.

  • April 10, 2012
    Carol Brosnan says:
    Jim, You may be gone but never forgotten. I will see you on the other side with a piece of chocolate and something yummy. Rest in Peace.

  • April 10, 2012
    Teresa Ponziani says:
    Jim, you are with us every day. You will always be a member of the CW family. God bless and keep laughing.