James Mark Gill

James Mark Gill of Flat Rock, Michigan passed away on July 9, 2026, at the age of 96. He was born on November 10, 1929, in Detroit.

James was the son of Weir and Josephine (Barton) Gill, the third of four children. Born weeks after the Wall Street crash of 1929, he grew up during the Great Depression. As a single father, his dad worked long hours at two jobs. James and his siblings, Arthur Gill, Marjorie Martz, and Virginia Nickell, had to learn to fend for themselves growing up. For dinner, James sometimes hunted squirrels and turkey in the cemetery behind his childhood home.

James proudly served his country in the United States Navy during World War II and as a reserve in the Korean War. During World War II, James was a sailor on two aircraft carriers in the Pacific.

Upon his return home, James met and fell in love with Bonnie Jane MacArthur. They dated less than a year before marrying in 1954, both aged 24. Jim and Bonnie enjoyed 71 years of marriage. Bonnie was his rock and compass. Side by side, they navigated life’s unpredictable waters with vitality, joy, bravery and grace.

James was a master plumber and held a builder’s license. Together with Bonnie, they founded Gill Plumbing and Heating the year they married. Jim and Bonnie were business partners for 30 years before selling the company and retiring at age 55. Gill Plumbing and Heating celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2024.

James was a serial entrepreneur. Unable to sit still, he always had a project. In addition to Gill Plumbing and Heating, he bought and renovated properties, including the Southland Motor Lodge in Michigan and a mobile home park in Florida.

Among his many projects was his own home. In 1971, he and Bonnie purchased 45 acres in Monroe County. He designed their new family home and served as the general contractor. For months, they kept the blueprints on their kitchen wall, redlining the plans before they broke ground. They went on to live there over five decades.

Jim and Bonnie believed in making their land productive. At times they raised horses, cattle, geese, sheep and goats and at other times used it for farming. They kept a massive garden and grew the best tomatoes in Monroe County ( his secret, adding fresh manure every spring). He built a full beach volleyball court, complete with lights, for his son and many friends to enjoy. James’ backyard was volleyball central in Monroe County.

James’ greatest love was his family, immediate and extended. He and Bonnie raised three children: Julie, Karen, and Mark. He was fully devoted to his family, and his children never doubted that they were deeply loved by their father.

James was a passionate man. He stood up for what he believed was right. He put his money and muscle where his mouth was and never considered standing idly by. He was a lifelong member of the NRA. He was very involved in and knowledgeable about local and national affairs.

James loved to travel and immerse himself in other cultures. He traveled the world many times over. His favorite part of travel was meeting people. He always said that if he could convince his family to go with him, he’d move to Australia. He passed on this love of travel by taking his family along much of the time.

James loved the sun and warm weather. After he and Bonnie retired, they wintered in Mesa, Arizona for over 25 years. He had no more interest in sticking around for Michigan winters.

James was an active member of Flat Rock United Methodist Church and, in later years, the First Presbyterian Church of Trenton. At Flat Rock United Methodist Church, James was heavily involved in local and international missions work. He and Bonnie led mission trips for many years to Costa Rica and the Philippines where they helped build churches and schools. For decades, he volunteered at the monthly roast beef dinners that raised funds for the church’s missions work.

James stayed active and fit and enjoyed time at the Downriver YMCA. He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. He was also an avid reader. James loved musicals, and he loved to sing. On family roadtrips, he led the singing in the car. He enjoyed all the classics, especially Oklahoma and My Fair Lady, but his favorite of all was The Sound of Music.

James was a meat and potatoes kind of guy with a sweet tooth for chocolate. He enjoyed a sip of Mogen David “medicinal” kosher wine at bedtime. He never turned down a backrub. And he was always ready for a game of cards, be it Euchre, Gin Rummy, Pinochle, or Hearts. James could frequently be found playing game after game at the Berlin Township Senior Center.

He spent the final few years of his life at Aerius Health Center in Riverview. The staff and residents at Aerius became near and dear to James and his family, who are so grateful for the care provided.

The last of his siblings, James is predeceased by his wife Bonnie and son, Mark. Carrying on his legacy, and proud members of “Team Gill,” are his daughters, Julie (Kris) Atwood and Karen (William) Vack; beloved grandchildren: Andrea Daly, Meredith (Isaac) Henderson, Matthew (Ashlyn) Vack, Claire Atwood, and Jeremy Vack; and great-grandchildren: Jacob, Connor, and Levi Henderson.

“He was a man, take him for all in all, I shall not look upon his like again.” William Shakespeare, Hamlet.

Visitation for James will take place on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Ford Chapel of the Martenson Family of Funeral Homes located at 23620 N. Huron River Drive, Rockwood, MI 48173. James will lie in state on Thursday, July 16, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Flat Rock First United Methodist Church located at 28400 Evergreen St, Flat Rock, MI 48134. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by the interment at Riverside Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in honor of James may be made to the Flat Rock United Methodist Church Missions Fund and the First Presbyterian Church of Trenton Shut-In Food Program.