James A. Gilley, age 78, of Rockford, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at Divine Nursing and Rehab at Shane Hill in Rockford. He was born on October 12, 1947, in Hazard, Kentucky, to the late James A. and May (Burns) Gilley Sr.

Jim is survived by his two daughters, Theresa Gilley of Celina and Felicia (Andy) Bacon of Wapakoneta; and his four grandchildren, Annie, Averi, Tony, and Lyric, who brought him great joy.

He was preceded in death by his son, James A. Gilley Jr.; and his former wife and mother of his children, Cynthia (Dowell) Vogan.

Jim was a 1965 graduate of Newport High School in Newport, Kentucky. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam era. Throughout his life, Jim worked various jobs before retiring. He was a man who enjoyed the simple pleasures in life, including horse racing, playing cards, watching baseball and television, listening to music, and spending time outdoors. He was known to enjoy a good bowl of chili soup, and purple was his favorite color. Jim will be remembered for the memories he created and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at The Anchor Church in Celina, with Pastor Simon Young officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the church. Following the service, military honors will be conducted by the Celina American Legion Post 210 and the Celina VFW Post 5713.

Memorial contributions may be directed to The Anchor Church, 231 Grand Lake Road, Celina, Ohio 45822.

The family is being served by Cisco Funeral Homes of Celina and St. Marys, who are honored to care for James and his loved ones. To share condolences, memories, or expressions of sympathy, please visit www.ciscofuneralhome.com or the Cisco Funeral Home Facebook page.