James Gailus

James Joseph Gailus Jr., age 79, of Saranac Lake, died Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at the Adirondack Medical Center Saranac Lake.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri on January 6, 1942, he was the son of James and Marie (Margraff) Gailus. James married Patricia Soons on Friday, March 13, 1981. She predeceased him July 28, 1993.

James had worked as an Operating Room Technician at the Lake Placid General Hospital for 19 year. Prior to that he served in the United States Navy and Served in the Army National Guard of New York. He was an avid fisherman and had his many secret fishing spots. James had many things in life he enjoyed. He loved building model cars, ships and airplanes. He loved watching the New York Yankees, football, golf and NASCAR with his favorite driver Dale Earnhart. He had a love for fishing with his friends and children at Makenzie Pond. Jim had a loud mouth but a BIG heart who loved life.

He is survived by two sons Calvin Gailus of Lake Placid, Eric Gailus of Lake Placid, two daughters Stephanie Gailus of Lake Placid and Amber (Robert) Rogers of Malone, and a stepson Joseph Kilburn of Saranac Lake, 9 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, one brother Larry Gailus of Seattle, WA, and two sisters Barbara Gailus and Chris Gailus both of St. Louis, MO. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, two brothers Philip Gailus and Nicodemus Gailus; and two sisters Patricia Coy and Rose Howard.

Calling hours will take place at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday September 30, 2021. A memorial service will immediately follow at 7:00 pm at the funeral home with Rev. Martin Cline officiating.

Friends wishing to remember James Joseph Gailus Jr. may make memorial contributions to the Oncology dept in Saranac Lake in care of the funeral home. Family and friends can also share their condolences and memories at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.