James M. Gilmore

James M. Gilmore, aka “Father Radio,” radio legend, philanthropist, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends Wednesday November 10, 2021 at 51 years young.

James is survived by the love of his life, Allison Bennett, son Ruston Gilmore and his wife Amanda Gilmore, daughter Madison Gilmore, his cat Josie, grandchildren Tommy, Faith-Ann, Aria, and Cian, mother Laura Gilmore in-laws Alice and Charles Bennett, brother Douglas Hall, sisters Kimberly gore and Valerie Fuller, and his many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his father, Willie James Gilmore.

James was born March 4, 1970 in Opelika, Alabama. He was a country boy at heart and a Bama fan in a house full of Auburn fans. Growing up, he was always there to help anyone who needed it and was loved by everyone who met him- traits he kept throughout his life. His love for music and radio started at an early age and kicked off a 31 year run across the dial.

He met and married his love Allison in 1993 and made the move to Louisiana with his wife and children in 1999. He Learned to love and embrace Louisiana culture and even learned how to pronounce things like St. Amant. During his tenure and Guaranty Media, he fell in love with his adopted home and his listeners who loved him right back.

In March of 2016, he was diagnosed with kidney cancer, but that did not stop him. To the amazing team of doctors that cared for him: oncologists Dr. Deborah Abernathy and Dr. Vince Cataldo from Mary Bird Perkins Baton Rouge Cancer Center, and Dr. Nizar Tanir from MD Anderson, surgeons Dr. Jose Karam and Tam Huynh from MD Anderson who removed his original tumor when no one else would, and Dr. Mark Kantrow who saw out his final days- thank you for giving us 5 more wonderful years with James. We are forever grateful.

In the end, he will forever be remembered for his huge caring heart, his love of all things Star Wars, and his voice.

Roll Tide and Geaux Tigers

#RadioIsFree

Visitation will be at Seale Funeral Home in Denham Springs on Friday, November 12th from 9am until 12pm.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Dreams Come True of Louisiana, a local charity close to James’ heart, so that he can be Santa for the kids one last time.