Jeffrey Julius Gilley was born April 5, 1992 at Kit Carson County Memorial Hospital in Burlington, CO. He arrived into this world quietly and departed May 3, 2014 at home in Burlington just as quietly. In those 22 years he made a lot of noise.

Jeff was the second child born to Melvin and Nancy (Holmes) Gilley. He attended the Burlington School District through his junior year of high school. Participating in pee-wee wrestling, the summer t-ball program and cub/boy scouts. He joined the band in 6th grade and in junior high he loved playing on the basketball team. In high school he was active in FFA and was the basketball videographer/manager. Although competitive sports were not allowed due to his health, Jeff was always jumping into a game with friends. After his junior year he dropped out of high school and enrolled at Morgan Community College, earning his GED in April 2010. Jeff worked a couple of jobs around town, not quite happy with his path. In August 2011 Jeff enrolled at Northwest Kansas Tech earning a welding certificate and graduating in May 2012. He had a couple welding jobs in the area, finally settling in at Durham Ag Tech.

Jeff had a lot of medical obstacles in his life. He persevered through them, never letting them hold him back. He was diagnosed with Marfans Syndrome at a young age, Mom and Jeffy making several trips to Childrens Hospital every year. Then at age 14 Jeff was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes. Although this hit him hard he kept on and still made his family and friends laugh. Jeffs great since of humor and positive outlook, he was never without a friend. Easily making new ones along the way.

Jeff is survived by his parents Melvin & Nancy of Burlington, CO., Brother and sister-in-law Kaleb & Kari (Moddelmog) Gilley of Burlington, CO., Sister Emily Gilley of Burlington, CO. Maternal Grandparents: Lynne & Tavo Ruiz of Burlington, CO., Bill & Linda Holmes of Palmyre ME. Paternal Grandparents: Linda & Rod Murray of Burlington, CO. Uncle/Aunt Cully & Diann (Dvorak) Holmes, Cameron, Wesley & Sierra of Castle Rock, CO., Uncle Todd Holmes of Burlington, CO., Uncle/Aunt Bill & Dianna (Miller) Gilley of Burlington, CO., Aunt Georgia (Andrews) Gilley, Curtis, Garrett of Burlington, CO., Aunt Brandy Gilley & Sydney of Burlington, CO. Paternal Great Grandmother Betty Windham of Scottsdale, AZ. His dog Wiley, who will miss their evening walks.

Jeff is preceded in death by Paternal Grandfather JB (Julius Brisbane) Wahl. Paternal Great Grandparent Marion Johnston. Maternal Great Grandparents Ray & Helen Saindon, Wesley & Mary Holmes.

Memorial Services are planned for Jeff on Tuesday May 13, 2014 beginning at 2:00 in the afternoon at First St. Pauls Lutheran Church 2660 Senter St. Burlington.


Memorial contributions for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation can be left at the Bank of the West or at the Brown Latimer Funeral Home