James John Gillen, Jr was born February 20, 1951 in San Antonio, Texas and died peacefully on Tuesday, November 27, 2018.  He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Elizabeth Gillen.

James was raised in San Antonio and attended St Mary Magdalen's Catholic School, Thomas Jefferson High School, and also served in the United States Marine Corp.   He worked as an electrician by trade for many years in and around the San Antonio area.

In his spare time he enjoyed cooking, participating in Chili Cook-offs, and family gatherings.

He is survived by his son, Johnathan Michael Gillen; his sisters, Jo Ann Scrivano, Barbara Kiolbassa and husband John; nieces, Dawn Ivone and husband Chris, Holly Stricker; great nephews, Christopher Charles Ivone Jr, and Tyler Stricker.