December 7, 1989 ~ April 28, 2025 (age 35)
James R. Gillen, age 35, of Cresco, Iowa, died on Monday, April 28, 2025, after his organ donor honor walk through the halls of Gundersen Health Systems in La Crosse, WI.
A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, May 23, 2025, at the Cresco Community Chapel with services lead by his brother, Nate. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at the church. Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home is assisting the family.
James Robert Gillen was born December 7, 1989, in Mason City, Iowa, to Robert Jr. and Kathleen (Hamilton) Gillen. James was a Riceville Wildcat and graduated with the high school class of 2008. He enjoyed cruising the rural highways on his motorcycle, wrenching on cars, and listening to music. James liked to fish, hunt for agates, and camp out under the stars with a beer in hand. He is lovingly referred to as the “Selfie King” by his father.
James’ life did not always follow the straight path. There were many twists and turns until spending time at the Cresco Mission where he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. James was guided by the Holy Spirit to pour back into everyone who walked a similar life that he did with the Scripture of God. God had a plan for James’ life and that was to become an organ donor. He gave the gift of life to many so they may live a longer life.
He is survived by his parents Robert and Shelley Gillen of Osage, IA; children RaeLee Anne and Jaxson James Gillen; brothers Nate (Kristi) Gillen of Joplin, MO, Dalton (Kolby) Gillen of Riceville, IA, and Jerry (Patience) Newell of Kiowa, KS; nephew and nieces Zac, Austin, Hayle, and Laney Gillen, Grayson and Tatum Gillen, and Carter Newell; and his grandma Alta Jean Faubert of Riceville, IA.
James was preceded in death by his mother Kathleen, paternal grandparents Robert Sr. and Nancy Gillen, maternal grandparents Darlene Pope and Kenneth Hamilton, and grandpa Verdell Mitchell.
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