Obituary of John P. Gillespie, Sr.

John P. Gillespie Sr., age 86 of 1020 South Scott Blvd, Iowa City died Monday, February 2, 2004, at the Lantern Park Nursing & Rehab Center in Coralville following a brief illness. Graveside funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 6, 2004 at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Iowa City. In lieu of flowers John’s family request memorial donations can be made in his memory to Iowa City Hospice @ 1025 Wade Street, Iowa City, Iowa 52240. John Paul Gillespie Sr. was born August 15, 1917 in Chicago, Illinois the son of Paul L. and Ruby (Saling) Gillespie. He was a graduate of the University of Iowa earning his B.S. in Commerce, and shortly thereafter joined the Army Air Corps at the beginning of WWII. He served in the Pacific campaign in the Philippines, and survived the Bataan Death March. After the war, he continued a career in the Air Force and retired in 1967 at the rank of Colonel. During his service, he was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star for valor, and the Air Force Commendation medal. Mr. Gillespie returned to Iowa City after his military career, earned an MBA from the University Of Iowa School Of Business, and worked for numerous years as the business manager of the Iowa City Community School District. His family includes his wife, Hazel, of Iowa City; daughter and son-in-law Lee and David Green of Las Vegas; son John Jr. of St. Helena, California; and two granddaughters, Kelly Green of Las Vegas and Alexandra Gillespie of Iowa City. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for John’s family and his services.