Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home

Condolence: Jim became a part of my life in 1970. He was always one of the kindest, most loving men in my life. My father-in-law always accepted and treated me like a daughter. I can honestly say I was his favorite daughter-in-law, because I was the only one.
Even though I was divorced from his son, he never changed his feelings towards me and always made me feel welcome and part of the family. Having the first two grandchildren I always thought it very important to keep them in touch with their grandparents and Jim would not have had it any other way.
He was a man of great wisdom and loved to help when you had a problem. I loved and will miss all his hugs at the door when you arrived for a visit, listening to his stories, his music (guitar & organ), his singing, his laughter, his sense of humor and his baked beans on Saturday night. Most ex daughter-in-laws are not as fortunate as I was to have such a special father-in-law love them. I am going to miss you Dad.

Condolence: Although it took me until after the service, for me, I guess I was in a bit of denial that my grandfather was gone. Being the first (and favorite, just kidding) grandchild, was not only a blessing, but an amazing learning opportunity. Even though my parents divorced, there was no question in his mind that my brother, mother, and myself would remain a cherished part of his family. That taught me acceptance, at such an early age. He would always greet us at the door with a twinkle in his eye, a smile, and a warm hug. I observed over the years the countless people that my grandfather has touched, accepted, taught, and loved. But most of all I observed the true devotion and unconditional love he bestowed on his beloved "mum", my Nana. That has taught me what love is. He shared such a zest for life and enjoyed surrounding himself with people. He was an outgoing man who could put a smile on your face just by seeing him. That "twinkle" that people refer to in his eye I always took as mischief. He remained curious and open and loved to share stories of his experiences. That twinkle accompanied a "wicked" sense of humor. I can't recall countless times we would all sit around and play a game and just laugh. He taught me that humor can change your perception of even the most challenging times.
Needless to say, this is only a snippet of my memories, but I can be assured that as he watched over and guided me through my years, he will continue to do so in the future. I will cherish every memory and hug, and that undeniable feeling of being loved.
Love you grandpa (Pop-pop to the rest of the grandkids)

Condolence: I met Jim and Lynn when Allie came into our family 22 years ago. Being from Dallas, I didn't have the opportunity to spend a lot of time with them over the years, but I remember Jim as a kind, gentle man. I can tell from reading the lovely memories posted here that he was a treasure, and will be missed. Sending love and hugs to all.

Condolence: It was my honor and pleasure to call Jim Gillchrest my father-in-law for the past 22 years. A man of strong convictions and fiercely loyal to his family and friends, Jim was at the same time one of the kindest, gentlest people I have known. I will miss listening to his stories from “the earlier days”, laughing over a rum and tonic when “the sun was over the yardarm.” The camping trips, the projects that he did so much better than I (or the other sons-in-law!) could, the time spent with our sons as a loving grandfather. Allie, the boys and I will always appreciate his influence and his example in our lives. Thank you, Jim. We will miss you.

Condolence: Dear Jim,
I thought I would write this letter to you, just to let you know just how much you have meant to me over these past 25 years. You are truly an outstand man and has been said so many times you really “set the bar very high” for the rest of us, especially us Son-in-laws.

Some things I have learned from you:

1) Family was truly what mattered most. Whenever there was an event for anyone in your family, you where there. I never heard you complain about it. You just did it.

2) A little humor can really change the situation. When I got us lost on a ride one day. I was already mumbling swear words and about to pull my hair out. You simply smiled at me and said “well I’ve never been on this road before”. You made me laugh. You had made your mind up to enjoying the trip and we did!

3) Your patents with all us was incredible. I never heard you say a bad word about anyone. Even if I could tell you didn’t like someone , you simply would say something like. “Boy…he’s an odd duck”.

You truly have set the bar very high, the way you treated everyone was an amazing to witness and be a part of. I like to think of it as you are the “high water mark” of Father-in-Laws. I could not have asked for a better one. I have been so blessed to know you, to learn from you and to be called your son. So glad to know that this is not goodbye and that we will have that glorious reunion. We know you’re watching over us from heaven, just as you did when you were right here with us.

All my love, Edward

Condolence: Lyn and family ,I am sorry to hear of the passing of Jim . I have many great memories so I can only imagine all the great ones your family has. Please accept my condolences.
Thoughts and prayers ,
Joey

Condolence: Where can one start when talking about Jim? He was a devoted father to his children and a loving husband to Lynn for 63 years. I first met Jim and Lynn when I started dating his daughter Janet back in 1991. This was just prior to the wedding of his and Lynn’s daughter Sarah. To say I was a bit tentative of this meeting would be an understatement yet from my first step inside his home I was welcomed and made a member of his family. Over the years as I came to know him and Lynn I realized this is how he treated everyone that was blessed enough to come into his presence. In the 24+ years Jim was in my life I observed that this was not a fluke this was Jim’s way. He welcomed everyone and made them feel no matter what they were special and cherished.
I remember that sparkle in his eyes that would flash and the wit and wisdom he would share with all daily. One of my most treasured memories of Jim happened Christmas 1995 I was working oversea and in August of that year I had officially joined the family by wedding Janet in August of that year. Janet and our daughter Victoria had traveled from Virginia to Rockport for a Gillchrest Christmas. I called to talk to the Family from Saudi Arabia and after talking to Jim as he was handing the Phone back to Janet I said Love you Dad His reply was a simple “love you Son” I knew he meant it and I knew I was lucky and blessed to be loved by such a wonderful man.
I have counted on his wisdom more times than I can count as I encountered problems in life ranging from home maintenance to raising a teenage daughter. These were just a few of the areas that Jim was a master in. His talents ranged far beyond most from woodworking to musical combine this with his wiliness to share them and he was man all should strive to emulate.
The world has lost a shining light, Maine has lost a wonderful son, Lynne has lost a wonderful Husband, his children have lost a devoted loving father, his grandchildren have lost their beloved Pop-Pop and I have lost a tower of strength and wisdom that I will never be able fill. I love you Jim and miss you and always will.

Condolence: Thank you Dad for being the wonderful Dad you were both in my childhood as well as adulthood.
My hope is I can be as kind, thoughtful, patient and humble a person as you have been your entire life.
My Dad , my hero.
I will miss you every single day for the rest of my life.
I love you, Janet

Condolence: Carolyn and family, On behalf of the entire Brotherhood of Phi Eta Kappa fraternity at UMaine, may I please express our sincere condolences and sympathy. Terry Grindle, Bucksport.