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
    John Burgess says:
    My condolences to Jim's family. He was a CUHS classmate and friend. How fortunate you are that he was a part of your lives. Anyone who knew him was touched in some sort of manner and always in a good way. Take comfort in the fact that he is now in a better place and will always be there in your hearts and memories. To Jim: I will always admire your accomplishments and the manner in which you conducted your life. I will strive to emulate these. I'll miss you my friend, we'll meet again someday.

  • April 10, 2012
    Marjorie Austin says:
    My deepest sympathy to Jim's family. We lost an AMAZING man. He will always have a place in my heart. Rest in Peace Jim.

  • April 10, 2012
    Kristy Engel says:
    My sympathies go ot to all of Jim's family. A wonderfull man, coworker, and friend. He will long be missed.

  • April 11, 2012
    Mary Beaulieu Michaud says:
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you! Jim will be with you forever in your hearts.

  • April 10, 2012
    GEORGE & PENNY KOUCOULES says:
    SOULFUL PRAYERS TO ALL WHO WERE TOUCHED BY JIM. HE WILL ALWAYS LIVE IN OUR HEARTS.