James Dean Gilbert, 76, of Saluda, N.C. went to be with his Lord and Savior at Park Ridge Hospital on July 5, 2017 after struggling for many years with health issues.

James was the son of the late Marvin and Emmie Staton Gilbert and was raised by his “second” mother, his Aunt Lula Staton and late grandparents, M.T. and Bessie Staton.

A native of Saluda, James was in the insurance business most of his career, working many years with Liberty Life Insurance before opening his own agency, Mountain Insurance Agency in Columbus, N.C.

He was a past member of Saluda Masonic Lodge, a past member and president of the Saluda Lion’s Club, and a lifetime member and past fire chief of the Saluda Volunteer Fire Department.

Before his health failed, he loved to garden, collect antiques and vintage items, vacation in Florida and Amish Country in Pennsylvania, post recipes and converse with friends and family on Facebook, and sit on his front porch and visit with neighbors. He loved to cook and took great joy in sharing his creations with those around him. He acquired a collection of hundreds of cookbooks over the last few years of his life. He read each from cover to cover.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Linda Lindsey Gilbert, a great nephew, Jonathan Henderson of California, raised by them as a son, sisters, Sandra McCall of Saluda, Brenda Durham of Flat Rock, and brother, Tommy Gilbert of Leesburg, Ga. He is also survived by a number of cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.

His funeral will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 9, 2017 at McFarland Funeral Chapel in Tryon, N.C. with Rev. Curtis Pace, Rev. John Saunders, and Rev. Henry Vegter officiating.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2017 from 6-8 p.m. at McFarland Funeral Chapel in Tryon, N.C.

Burial will take place at Saluda City Cemetery, Saluda, N.C. following the service.

In remembrance of James, donations may be made to Jones Gap Baptist Church, 8 Mount Hebron Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28739, or Steps to Hope, P.O. Box 518, Columbus, NC 28722.

McFarland Funeral Chapel
Tryon, N.C.