James Franklin Gilger

James Franklin Jr. age 78, of Erie, passed away Wednesday April 29 2026 at Twin Brook Nursing Home.  He was born in Westfield NY January 7 1948, son  of the late James Franklin Gilger Sr. and Alberta Drayer Gilger -Cortes . Jim worked at American Tinning and Galvanizing, later he worked for several plastic shops as a machine operator. He enjoyed playing pool ,watching TV, and he was a fan of Elvis and  WWE. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his beloved wife Fran Gilger; sisters  Caryl Arce and Brenda Horn;  and brother David Cortes. Survivors include his daughters Melissa, Dawn ,Shelly, Danielle and Stephanie;  step children Phillip and Susie;  sisters Lana Maddux , Gloria Ortiz (Wilfredo), Lisa Heil (Mark),and a brother Daniel Cortes; as well as many cousins , nieces and nephews; and several  grand children. All services for James are private.  Please visit our tribute wall to leave a condolence or share a memory of James.

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