Pat Gill

James Patrick "Pat" Gill, 54, of Chillicothe, Illinois, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2014, after a courageous struggle with cancer.

Through his pain Pat talked of healing and looking forward to spring.

Born April 18, 1960, in Cape Girardeau, he attended Central High School before joining the U.S. Navy.

Pat was a soft-spoken, gentle soul and very loving uncle, enjoying nephews, family and friends. A "'70s child," he loved the music of that era and became an accomplished guitarist and bass player. Though modest about his talent, he enjoyed sharing his gift in jam sessions with friends.

He was an electrician with Hardin Industries in the Peoria area and liked problem-solving and finding innovative ways to make things work.

Pat's longtime companion, Kathryn Hufeld, stayed by his side, giving him strength and hope throughout his illness.

Survivors include his life partner, Kathryn Hufeld; his mother, Anola Gill Bowerman; two brothers, Hugh (Sue) Gill and Harry Gill; sisters, Anola (Michael) Stowick, Martha (Tom) Hamilton, Jeannie (Bill) Hinck, Trish Dokich and a missing sister, Elizabeth Ann Gill; and many loving nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harry Gill; stepfather, Ralph Bowerman; sisters, Laura Whittaker and Mary Grimes; grandparents, James and Laura Gill and Robert and Amy Burris.

Visitation with the Gill family will be from noon to 1 p.m. Friday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

A memorial service will follow at 1 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to NCMEC (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children).

Online condolences may be made at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.