James Gulino

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- James "Jim" A. Gulino passed from this life Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. His fierce determination and love inspired him to battle cancer like a true Marine.

Jim was born Dec. 16, 1943, to John and Celestine "Chris" Gulino in Portsmouth, Virginia. He was raised and attended school in Binghamton, New York. Following in his dad's footsteps, he committed to the Marine Corps Reserve in early 1961. He graduated high school in 1962 and went on to graduate from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, in 1966, while fulfilling his Marine Reserve duty.

While living in the Troy area, Jim married Eileen Smith of Troy and had four children -- Erin Barrette, Jennifer Gulino, Mary (Michael) Collins and Ryan Gulino.

Jim later met the love of his life, Naomi Minton, and they were married for more than 35 years. After living in the Houston area for many years, Jim and Naomi moved to Marble Hill to her family homestead, where he lived out his final years.

Some of Jim's proud accomplishments, in addition to being a Marine, include being one of two assignors of a patent awarded for a heat bondable asphaltic sound deadener while working for GAF in Chicago. Additionally, Jim played a significant role in the manufacturing of a heat shield for the International Space Station in conjunction with NASA.

In addition to his four children, Jim is survived by his mother, Celestine Gulino; brother, John (Sylvia) Gulino; stepchildren, Sandy Olmos and Michael Thompson; grandchildren, Morgan Stampfli, John Stampfli, Kristen Gulino, Anthony Gulino, Emily Barrette and Matthew Barrette; several brothers and sisters-in-law; and nieces and nephews.

Jim was predeceased by his dad, John Gulino.

The family would like to express its deep gratitude for the compassionate doctors, nurses and social workers at Southeast Hospital -- particularly Deeanna Klee, Lyndsay, Jenn, Autumn, Dr. Yee and Dr. Dickey, among many others -- for their loving care of Jim and the family,

In respect of Jim's wishes, there will be no services.

In lieu of flowers, any donations may be made to American Cancer Society or Southeast Hospital of Cape Girardeau in honor of Jim.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.