Jim Gildea passed away on March 4, 2026 at English Meadows Assisted Living facility
in Harrisonburg, VA after a brief illness.
Jim was born at Arlington Hospital in Arlington, VA on January 13, 1949 to James
Joseph Gildea and Myra Stewart Gildea (Riddel). After high school Jim joined the Navy
in 1968 where he learned the myriad technical skills that formed the basis for his career
as an aircraft avionics technician and radio technician. He received an Associate in
Applied Science in Electronics Technology Cum Laude from the Northern Virginia
Community College in 1978. Avionics and radio technology advanced quickly over
Jim's career and he kept up to speed through innumerable factory training sessions in
the USA and Canada. Jim finished his Navy years with a Good Conduct Medal and a
Defense Service Medal.
A genuine adventure lover, Jim had many and varied interests. A hang glider and hang
glider instructor. A private pilot with ASEL and instrument ratings. A true craftsman of
the highest order, building both a beautiful all-wood sea kayak and a single-seat
experimental aircraft in his kitchen in Bealeton, VA. Legend has it that the airplane was
too big to get through the kitchen door after it was built so Jim had to enlarge the door!
Jim loved the outdoors and found just about every way possible to explore the natural
world. From backpacking to climbing to kayaking, if there was adventure to be had
Jim was in. One of his true passions was caving and he explored many of the caves in
West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland including caves that were deemed "too
dangerous" by many experienced cavers. Jim was a long time member of the
Potomac Speleological Club and National Speleological Society. He was a frequent
attendee of the "Old Timers Reunion" held near Elkins with enormous bonfires and a
large, "textile-free" hot tub.
Jim Gildea is survived by his wife, Carolyn Ingle, whom he met through his love of the
outdoors. They were married in 2004 and went on many adventures together on the
rivers and in the caves of the Appalachian until age began to limit them both.
He is survived my innumerable friends that he made through his various interests and in the communities of Franklin, WV and Northern Virginia.
Jim was predeceased by his parents and brother, John Steven Gildea.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jim's name to the Potomac Speleological
Club.