
J.C. Gilroy, 64, of Lawrence, passed away unexpectedly Friday, April 22, 2022, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. He grew up in Eudora and graduated from Eudora High School.
After graduating from high school, he worked as a correctional officer and later a Douglas County Deputy Sheriff. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas in 1990. He later went on to earn his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Kansas School of Law in 1996.
He worked for various law firms before establishing his own in Lawrence, Kansas where he practiced law for over 20 years. J.C. also served on a panel of local defense attorneys who assisted the Douglas County community. J.C. took special pride in providing counsel to his juvenile clients and children deemed to be “in need of care.” J.C. spent most of his life helping others.
J.C. met his wife, Linda, working at the Colorado Mountain Ranch. They lived in Boulder before settling down in Lawrence. They married in 1988 and later had two children, Daniel and Kirsten.
Family was important to J.C. and he was always available to lend a hand. He spent many hours providing his mom companionship and support. In his free time, he enjoyed his many projects such as remodeling the house, woodworking, and tending his garden.
He also loved all aspects of sports; from playing and watching basketball, to umpiring baseball, to coaching his son’s sports teams.
He is survived by his wife, Linda; son, Daniel; daughter, Kirsten; his mother, Pauline; three siblings, Cathy Johnson, Connie Gilroy, and husband Chip, and Jim Gilroy, and wife Joleen; his wife Linda’s family, including her father, sister, and brother and sister-in-law; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, John Gilroy; sisters, Colette Foster, Cyrilla Loria, and Carolyn Crews; and brothers-in-law Randy Johnson, and Allan Loria; Linda’s mother, and brother-in-law.
A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 12 at Rumsey- Yost Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow the visitation at the funeral home. Please stay and share your favorite stories of J.C. with us. Inurnment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in J.C.’s memory may be made to the Colorado Mountain Ranch to establish scholarships to send kids to camp in the coming summers.
Rest in Peach, J.C.
I found JC to be a fun brother in law. He truly found his calling as he served his community with special attention to those who needed him the most. He was always kind to me. Answered questions when I needed help and made me something I will always cherish.
My heart breaks for Linda, Daniel, Kirsten, his mom, sisters, brother and friends.
I will miss him dearly.
It is tough to find out that one of your best friends in this short life has gone on to the next. From 7th grade to graduation J.C. was my best friend. You normally don’t have too many of those in life. Everyone has commented about his jokes but even deeper than that he had a level of comedic sarcasm that was unmatched. Maybe that was why we got along so well. We camped out a lot in those Jr. High days talking about all the girls who wouldn’t have anything to do with us. It is my firm belief that families are forever and he may be gone for a while, we all will see him again soon enough. “Can we picture ourselves home again with our Heavenly Father in that wonderful place, not only as sons and daughters but husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, grandfathers and grandmothers, grandsons and granddaughters, bound together forever in loving families.”
JC was a kind and gentle person who always sought to do the right thing. He was a good spirit who gave honest support and kindness. He was there for people. I and my family will miss him, but not as much as Linda and kids.
I’ll never forget JC at our granddaughter’s adoption. He was so kind, and made everything special. After the adoption he took us across the street to his office where we got to ring the church bells. Such a wonderful memory. My deepest condolences to his family.
JC was a caring person with a quirky sense of humor that could always cause me to chuckle. He was so proud of his family and truly interested in other people and their families. My thoughts are with his wife, mother and children now and in the difficult days ahead. He will be missed by so many.
Linda,
I have so many memories of JC that go back to Holy Family grade school through high school and beyond. JC was one of a kind. Always with a joke or humorous story to share when I would run into him at the grocery store. So many fun times and memories of basketball. I will miss his sense of humor and laugh. I will be out of town Thursday but will hold and the family in my thoughts and prayers.
Linda, Daniel &Kirsten,
I’ve known JC since high school, he has been a wonderful friend and confidante over the years!
He was a wonderful man, always kind and had a crazy joke! I honestly don’t think I’ve ever seen a happier person!
You could not be in a bad mood when he was around!
I will miss his smiling face and sharing stories!!!
Linda and family, I am so sorry to hear of JC’s passing. I told Jeff about it and he asked that I send his concern along to you. I remember when our sons were young and we spent time together as young parents. I know JC will be deeply missed. Sending you my support during this time.
J.C., My Man! Just saw him at HyVee and what a great time we had. He was so funny, but I will admit it took me some time to grasp some of his jokes, but I really enjoy listening to them. Am really going to miss him if for no other reason, he was my friend! That says it all.
My heart felt condolences for the Gilroy family
Linda, I am sorry to hear about the loss of JC. I had the pleasure of working with him while working for the District Attorneys office and the City Prosecutor’s office. I have worked with many attorneys during those eight years. He definitely one of the good ones!
J.C. was a fine Deputy and an honorable attorney. He will be greatly missed.
A sweet man and a kind brother-in-law. We will miss JC. We love you Linda, Daniel, and Kirsten. Condolences to the extended Gilroy family. Love Greg and Nicole
Dear Linda,Danielle,Kristen and Family,
I am very sorry to hear about the sudden loss of your beloved J.C. He was such a sweet man and loved you all dearly.
He was always up for a chat when I was out walking the neighborhood.
I will keep you and your family In my thoughts and prayers as you grieve this life changing loss.
I pray your faith will carry you knowing he is resting in his heavenly home. He will love and protect you from there now.♥️
Like Sandra Walls I worked with JC at the District Court. In fact the three of us had many laughs. He was hilarious and really made my day when he would stop by Pro-Tem. Working in the courts can be a tough job, but JC was always there with a smile and a joke. He was a good man and lawyer. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends – he will be missed.
J.C. was a good man. We officed next door for years in the old stone church, and I heard about Linda, Daniel, Kirsten, and his mother and siblings. Interspersed were stories about baseball, KU basketball, and “dad” jokes. I am sorry for your loss.
My sincere sympathy to The Gilroy Family. I’ve known J.C. my entire life. All the way from Catholic School to graduating H.S. ’76 . I’ve seen him many times over the years . Just last fall we were both at the Holy Family Catholic Cemetery. I was trading out flowers and he was working on the new directory . He was so proud of it and how his mother had got this project done. We visited for quite some time. Catching up on our families and classmates we hadn’t seen in years. It was such a great visit. It saddens me to know he’s gone. I’m sure he’s smiling down on all who knew him. He will be truly missed.
My prayers are with JC’s family. He was a great man and friend. I loved his jokes. He always spoke about his family. He loved them so much. I saw him in the hallway of the Law Enforcement Building on Friday afternoon. He told me a joke while he was waiting on his client. I was blessed to know him. He will definitely be missed.
Prayers, Condolences and Best Wishes to the Gilroy family and J.C.’s own family of Linda, Daniel and Kirsten.
He will be missed by us all.
The Extended Schrader Family.
Linda, Daniel and Kersten,
How can I say this? JC was a very, very good friend, from ’78 through last Friday. I will miss him. My deepest sympathies to you all.
I was saddened to learn of J.C.’s passing. I first met him over 20+ years ago when he visited with me at the KU Law School about attending school and his desire to be an attorney. I was the Director of Admissions at that time. I’ll always remember his great smile and friendly demeanor. I knew he would be successful in his life as he would be the kind of person who would always find the silver lining. My deepest sympathies to his family. May your many sweet memories of him bring you comfort.
I worked with JC for 44 years. He was passionate and kind. They do not come much better. I will miss him greatly. My condolences.
JC was a good advocate for his clients, and he was a fine trial attorney. He was passionate when he needed to be and pragmatic when that was the best course of action. And then there were the jokes he told with a twinkle in his eye! He was a delightful and kind person. I am so sorry for your loss.
My sincere condolences to JC’s family. He was truly one of a kind!! He always greeted me with a joke and a story…there was ALWAYS a story!! Both were followed by his contagious giggle. I enjoyed working with JC and always appreciated how devoted he was to his family. The way he lit up when he talked about his mom in her younger days was truly heart-warming .
JC was a great colleague to work with and he will be so missed. Fly high friend. You were always great to see and I enjoyed our talks.
JC was such a fun guy and great EHS alumni. Bruce enjoyed playing basketball with him. Prayers to all.
jc was a great man! We worked together a couple of times!! he was wonderful and how he loved his family! you will be missed our friend
I saw him on Thursday where he regaled me with jokes, which was his nature. He had heard we got chickens so he said, “Why do chicken coops have only two doors? Because if they had four, they would be chicken sedans!” I groaned and told him that was a terrible, “dad” joke. He said, “What do you expect?!? I am a dad!” J.C. and his jokes will be missed.
We are so sorry to hear about JC’s passing. As neighbors growing up, we played a lot with JC & his little brother Jim (J.O. to us!). From baseball at the Catholic field, to climbing trees and riding bikes, it was a fun time. Our sympathies to his entire family.
Sending sympathy and prayers to J.C.’s family. J.C. was so animated in his adoring stories about his mom, Pauline. You will be missed!
I am very sorry to hear we have lost such a wonderful man. I worked in the District Court and J.C. always made a day brighter with his easy-going mannerisms and smile. I know he will be very missed, and I am sending up prayers for support and peace for all of you.
I am so sorry to hear of JC’s passing. He always had a smile and a joke for me as our paths crossed when I worked for the District Court. He will be greatly missed. I am so sorry for your loss.
A wish for peace for the family and loved ones he left behind, as I know this is very difficult for them. He will be missed by many.
I am sorry to hear about the loss of J.C. I have known him for many years and am very sad at his passing. A good man who helped a lot of people.
Hearing about J.C. passing away is just horribly sad! I am so very sorry for all the loved ones he left behind. I worked with J.C. at the District Court. He was always ready with a funny joke to lighten my day and I enjoyed hearing the stories he told of his younger years. I knew his mother well, and was happy to hear of times he would go over to look after her and he would tell me funny things that would happen during his visits. He and his mother made a great comedy pair. I know he will be thoroughly missed by so many. He was a good man. My sincere condolences to his family.
On behalf of the Katzfey family, we send heartfelt condolences to the Gilroy family.
Linda:
J.C. was a good man and a terrific law clerk, lawyer and friend. I was in New Mexico when I got word of his passing. I am so sorry for your loss.