James E. Gilbert, 72, of Van Wert, died at 11:41 a.m. Monday, Aug. 6, 2012, at Van Wert Hospital, Van Wert.

He was born March 3, 1940, in Paducah, Ky., to the late Lorine (Culp) Gilbert and Robert Gilbert.

His wife, Kathy (Martin) Gilbert, survives of Van Wert.

Other survivors include his children: Cindy (Mark) Sundem of Washington, Connie (Mike) Butler and Cathy (Jeff) Jones, both of Van Wert and Kim (Gary) Wise of Findlay, Ohio; brothers: Harold Wayne (Sally) Gilbert of Florida and Sam (Kathy) Gilbert of Tennessee; sister: Lela (Ken) Thompson of Ft. Wayne, Ind.; stepsister: Leah Shaw of Van Wert; seven grandchildren: Aaron Buschor, Ben Butler, Curtis Buschor, John Butler, Spencer Sundem, Keaton Sundem and Riley Jones, and a great-grandchild: Jack Buschor.

He was preceded in death by brothers: Bill, Robert and Richard Gilbert; stepbrother: Don May; sisters: Judy, Norma and Mary Gilbert and a grandchild: Sydney Wise.

He retired from Haviland Drainage. He had previously worked at VANCO Machine and Van Wert Times Bulletin, both of Van Wert. He was an auxiliary member of Van Wert V.F.W., a member of Van Wert Moose and Rockford Eagles and previously served in the National Guard.

He was an avid fan of the Atlanta Braves and Ohio State Buckeyes.

Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2012, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert.

Preferred memorial is donor's choice.