Obituary of John Gilliland

John Gilliland South Plainfield - John Gilliland, 88, died on Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at his home. Born and raised in Jamesburg, John lived in Edison before moving to South Plainfield fifty-five years ago. John worked for Bristol Myers Squibb in New Brunswick as a sterile mechanic. He served with the Army during WWII and was stationed in England and Germany. He received the American Theater Ribbon, the European Middle Eastern Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He was also a member of the South Plainfield American Legion Chaumont Post 243. Along with his late wife Dorothy, who died in 1991, John was active in Dog Shows specializing in the German Shepherd breed. He was a member of the German Shepherd Dog Club of America and the Mid Jersey German Shepherd Dog Club. He had shown his dogs in a variety of dog shows throughout the United States for many years, including the Westminster Dog Show at Madison Square Gardens. John had one dog achieve its Champion Status. In addition to his wife, Mr. Gilliland is predeceased by his parents William and Mary Gilliland, his sister Elizabeth Dudkin and his brother Lester. He is survived by his daughter; Jane Gilliland of South Plainfield, his sons; John R. and his wife Sharon also of South Plainfield and Frederick of Bound Brook, three sisters; Willetta Paprocki of Spotswood, Ethel Shea and Dorothy Phares both of Jamesburg and by two brothers; William and Robert Gilliland both of Spotswood. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, March 16, 2011 beginning 11:00 AM in the McCriskin - Gustafson Home For Funerals 2425 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ 07080. Interment will follow in Hillside Cemetery, Scotch Plains. Visitation will be held in the funeral home on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 from 2-4 & 7-9 PM and on Wednesday from 10:30 AM until the service.