James Albert Gilley, 46, was born in Manteca on April 27, 1963. He attended Manteca High School from 1978 to 1980, before enlisting in the U.S. Navy at age 17. He died unexpectedly on Friday, September 25, 2009 at Camp Delta, Al Kut Iraq, where he served as the Health, Safety, and Environmental coordinator for military contractor Kellog, Brown and Root at the multi-national air base.

During a 25-year Navy career he attained the rank of Chief, Aviation Boatswains Mate, earning Campaign Service Medals from Kosovo and Kuwait. He also earned multiple commendations to include a Global War on Terrorism Medal and two Humanitarian Service medals. He retired from the Navy in 2005 at Fallon Naval Air Station and resided in Fallon, Nevada.

He is survived by parents Carol and Doug Imberi of Salida, and James and Merlie Gilley of Oroville; brother and sister-in-law, Monte and Ronda Gilley of Live Oak; wife Coleen Gilley of Fallon, Nevada; and daughter Cierra Gilley-Schmith of Port Orchard, WA; sons, Steven Gilley of Fallon, Nevada, Bryan Weathers and wife Theresa of Corpus Christi, Texas; grandchildren, Austin, Cruz and Yasmine.

A celebration of Jim’s life followed by full military honors was held on Friday, October 9 at the Gardens Chapel in Fallon, Nevada.