New Palestine–Jack Bothwell Gilbert, 87, passed away peacefully at his daughter’s home in Greenfield on November 9, 2016, following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Jack is survived by his former wife and best friend Judith Adams-Gilbert, daughter Stacey (Jason) Gilbert Griffith of Greenfield, son Chris Gilbert of New Palestine, and grandsons Jacob, Evan, and Nick Griffith; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Albert and Bernice Gilbert, and brothers, Vernon and Winston (Bob) Gilbert.

Jack was born on June 29, 1929 in Muncie, Indiana, to Albert and Bernice Gilbert. He attended Central High School in Muncie and graduated from Ball State University with a degree in Accounting. He entered the Army in September of 1951 and served with the 506th Airborne Infantry Regiment at Camp Breckenridge Kentucky earning an Honorable Discharge in September 1953. Jack went on to a life-long career in Civil Service retiring from the Defense Contract Audit Agency in 1982. He married Judith Adams in June of 1969. After moving to New Palestine in 1972 Jack began attending the New Palestine United Methodist Church and volunteered as church treasurer for several years. Jack was an active member of the United Methodist Men’s group, American Legion, and other service groups in the community. Having an amazing ability with numbers, he served as the treasurer with many groups he was involved with. Throughout his life Jack loved to strike up a conversation with anyone, often breaking the ice by sharing a story from his past or something from his enormous collection of well-aged jokes.

Friends and family may visit from 10:00 a.m. until a funeral service begins at 12:00 noon Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at New Palestine United Methodist Church. Pastor Dennis Adams will officiate the ceremony. Burial with military rites will follow at New Palestine Cemetery.  All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jack’s life. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions to The Alzheimer’s Association.  Arrangements by Indiana Funeral Care.