James "Jimmy" Gillis

James “Jimmy” Gillis, 62, former owner of Gillis Hotel in Minden City, passed away peacefully with family by his side following a short illness on June 15, 2021, at St. Mary’s in Saginaw.

Jimmy was born April 11, 1959, in Minden City to the late John “Jud” and Ila (Noble) Gillis.

He was a graduate of Ubly High School in 1977. He owned and operated the Gillis Hotel in Minden City for most of his life. In recent years, he worked at Gemini Plastics in Ubly.

Jimmy enjoyed playing card games, especially gin 13 and cribbage. His free time consisted of visiting casinos, bowling, attending truck pulls, and playing pool. Jimmy was a motorcycle and antique car enthusiast, as well as an avid Detroit Tigers and Redwings fan. No week was complete for him without the Sunday Polkas.

Jimmy was a former member of the Minden City Lions Club, village council member, and volunteer at the Minden City Fire Department. He was also a member of the ABATE Region 7 of Michigan.

He is survived by five sisters, Marge (Buzz) Bennett, LouAnn (Bob) Reinelt, Sheila (Ben) Edwards, Lisa (Paul) Bischer, Laura (Tim) Klee; three brothers, John (Joyce) Gillis, Jerry Gillis, Joe Gillis; one brother-in-law, Don Hassler; one aunt, Linda (Gary) Schultz; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Hassler and Barbara Piazza, and two nephews, Jeff Kowalski and Craig Bismack.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Minden City Lions Club or Minden City Fire Department.

Jimmy’s family welcomes you to celebrate his life on Saturday, June 26 at the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home in Ubly. Visitation will be from 1:00-4:00 pm.

“In heaven there is Beer and Jimmy is serving”.