James Edgar Gilbert, 88, widower of Patsy Jo (Shorter) Gilbert, of 1084 Laurel Hill Road, passed away Wednesday, October 9, 2013 at his residence.

Mr. Gilbert was born on March 22, 1925 in Augusta County, a son of the late Irvin Edgar and Hattie (Dodd) Gilbert.

Mr. Gilbert was a member of Barren Ridge Church of the Brethren. He served in the Armys 533rd engineers, boat and shore regiment during World War II from 1943-1945. During active duty, Mr. Gilbert spent twenty-four months over seas, including eighteen months in combat in New Guinea, New Britain and the Philippines. Mr. Gilbert was a life member of the Verona VFW Post 10826. He worked at Wilson Trucking for twenty-four years and later retired from Bradleys Texaco.

In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Gilbert was preceded in death by two brothers, Paul and John Gilbert and three sisters, Anna Mae Stover, Virginia Lawhorne and Evelyn Wine.

Surviving is a son, Michael Gilbert and wife Sharon and a daughter, Gail Gregory all of Staunton; a brother, Elwood Gilbert of Harrisonburg; a sister, Mary Sue Eavey of Barren Ridge; four grandchildren, Amanda Gilbert, Justin Gilbert, Penny Messer and Lorie Meek; four great-grandchildren, Sawyer Messer, Anna Messer, Alanna Meek and Jordan Meek; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of life will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 13, 2013 in the Barren Ridge Church of the Brethren by Pastor Galen Combs.

Burial will follow in church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday, October 12, 2013 at Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory and other times at the home of Mike and Sharon Gilbert, 737 Indian Mound Road, Staunton.

Active pallbearers will be Terry Loope, Jerry Wimer, Bill Huffman, David Lawhorne, Andy Coffman and Cliff Davis.

It is suggested those desiring make memorial contributions to the Barren Ridge Church of the Brethren, 1790 Barrenridge Road, Staunton, VA 24401.

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive, Staunton is in charge of his arrangements.