2026 Obituaries

James J. Gilman—Phippsburg--James J. Gilman, 69, of Phippsburg, Maine passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 4, 2026 at Mid Coast Hospital, with his loved ones by his side.

James served in the United States Army as a paratrooper during the Vietnam war era.

Throughout his life, James worked in a variety of trades. He was a seafood harvester, digging clams and supporting local restaurants and businesses. Harvesting seafood gave him both the freedom and joy of working outdoors, close to nature. He was also a welder at Bath Iron Works, a wood harvester, and a partner in a farming and farm stand business. The farm stand meant a great deal to him and serving his community in this way gave him deep pride and satisfaction. One of James's greatest passions was cats. He loved them dearly, and his home was never without the companionship and affection of a cat. James is survived by his sister, Patricia J. Gilman Staples, of Phippsburg; two half-brothers, Anthony Gilman of Phippsburg and Alexis Gilman of Virginia; a niece, Brandy M. Staples of Phippsburg; a nephew, Wesley J. Staples of Lewiston; and many very special and dear cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews, and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Virginia L. Perkins Brown and James W. Gilman, a half sister, Lisa A. Brown Keen; a stepmother, Lucrecia Morales Gilman; and a brother in law, Charles C. Staples. Arrangements are being handled by Funeral Alternatives and condolences and memories may be shared on their guestbook page. A celebration of life will be held on February 21 at 1 p.m. at the West Bath Fire Department Hall, 192 State Road, West Bath. In lieu of flowers, James would be honored if donations in his memory were made to the General Assistance Fund, Phippsburg Town Hall, 1042 Main Road, Phippsburg, ME 04562 or Phippsburg Fire and Rescue, 1060 Main Road, Phippsburg, ME 04562.