Derek “Jay” Gillam died Thursday, October 22nd at 12:50 A.M. at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
He was born April 25, 1956 in Manhattan, Kansas. The son of John N. “Jack” and Betty Gillam. He graduated from Salina Central High School in 1974. Jay then went on to the University of Kansas where he graduated with a degree in Business Administration in 1978.
Jay’s work took him many places, one being Lubbock, Texas where he met the love of his life. After moving around the country, his long-term goal was to move back to the town that held so many wonderful KU memories: Lawrence, Kansas.
Jay specialized in the transportation and logistics industry and was currently working for Ancra International LLC where he was Midwest Sales Executive of the Cargo Systems Division.
Jay was a loyal member to Trinity Lutheran Church in Lawrence and an alumnus of the Sigma Chi fraternity where he met many lifelong friends and was affectionately known as “Jaws.” He was the life of every party and never met a stranger.
He married Terri Thorn Gillam on July 7, 1984 in Lubbock, Texas who survives of the home.
Other survivors include his son, Alex of Kansas City, MO; daughter, Abby and her husband Kyle of Dallas, TX; brother Jack and his wife Kim of Salina, KS; brother Jeff and his wife Lynn of Salina KS and a dearly beloved niece and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Betty Gillam.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Heart Association. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Online condolences may be sent at www.rumsey-yost.com.
