James W. Gilchrist

James Wessels Gilchrist, age 80, died Wednesday, February 24, 2016 in Topeka, Kansas. He was born November 24, 1935 in Topeka, Kansas. His parents were Grace Johanna Wessels Gilchrist and Thomas Richard Gilchrist.

James graduated from Topeka High School. He attended Drake University and Washburn University where he played basketball.

James began working on the Union Pacific Railroad in 1959 as a laborer (gandy dancer) on the extra board. He became a switchman June 24, 1959. He was active in the United Transportation Union. He was Local Chairman in the Yard and handled time claim appeals, vacation assignments, etc. He also handled safety matters as Legislative Representative for his Local 1409. James retired as a switchman from the Union Pacific Railroad effective April 11, 2004.

James married Shirley Annette Thornton on February 3, 1969 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

He was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church.

James was preceded in death by his parents and by his oldest son Brendan Thomas Gilchrist (March 11, 1978 to August 4, 2007). He is survived by his wife, their two children, Erin Johanna (Gilchrist) Showalter (Joe) of Haven and Daniel Harrison Gilchrist (Amy) of Lawrence, and his grandchildren Eli Larry Showalter and Addison Marguerite Showalter.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 29 at the Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave. in Topeka. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery in Topeka.

Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church, 4211 NW Topeka Blvd, Topeka, KS 66617 or Topeka Rescue Mission, PO Box 8350, Topeka, KS 66608-0350.

To share a memory of James or to leave a message of condolence for his family, please visit the guestbook below.