
Jan Thomas Gildersleeve
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Jan Thomas Gildersleeve passed away on August 29, 2024, at the age of 81 in Garden City, Idaho, with his children by his side. Born on January 7, 1943, in Salinas, California, Jan dedicated much of his life to his family and his country.
Jan graduated from Palma High School before attending Hartnell College where he was a two time All-Conference Second Baseman. He then served honorably in the United States Army as a Combat Medic with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 82nd Engineer Battalion, United States Army Europe and Africa Command, earning the rank of Specialist 5 in the process, where he was respected by his peers and superiors alike. After his military service, Jan embarked on a successful career in insurance, opening his own agency in Marina, California in the late 1970s. While doing business in Marina, Jan became a charter member of the Marina Rotary Club.
After several years working in Germany and the Philippines, Jan relocated to Nampa, Idaho where he was a devout member of the St. Paul's Catholic Church. His hobbies included coaching youth baseball and basketball, engaging in political discussions, swimming, and spending quality time during the later years of his life with his family, which was his greatest joy.
He is survived by his children, Pam Gildersleeve-Hernandez, Matt Gildersleeve, Faye Gildersleeve-Montoya, Nancy Moorhead, and Huston Gildersleeve; and grandchildren, Bryce Heinsen-Madson, Michael Hernandez, Kia Gildersleeve, Mia Montoya, Eli Gildersleeve, Raidyn Moorhead, Atlas Moorhead, and Elliot Gildersleeve. Jan was preceded in death by his mother, Vernielle Gildersleeve, and his brother, Ross Gildersleeve.
Memorial services for Jan are currently being planned. He will be remembered as a hardworking and stubborn individual who achieved much on his own terms and left a lasting impact on those around him.
