James J. Gildersleeve

Olean- James J. Gildersleeve “Local Attorney” James J. Gildersleeve, 62, of 918 Kingston Drive died of cancer on September 19, 2022, at home. Jim was born on December 16, 1952, in Queens to Elmer J. Gildersleeve and Barbara A Prysner Gildersleeve. After teaching high school in New York City, Jim became an attorney, working for Colorado River Indian Tribes Office of the Public Defender, Seneca Nation of Indians as Attorney General, and Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc. for the prevention of poverty and homelessness. He tirelessly advocated for economic and social justice. Jim was intelligent and compassionate. He enthusiastically engaged with friends and strangers alike. He was an avid baseball fan and enjoyed playing the guitar. Jim is survived by his wife Charity A. Phipps and stepdaughter, Heartly Phipps, his sisters, Carol Dworkin of Tuckerton, NJ., and Kimberly Gildersleeve and her daughter Vivienne Sivakoff of Fairfield, CT., and cherished cousins and their children. Jim is predeceased by his parents. In keeping with his wishes there will be no services at this time. Arrangements are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 E. State St., Olean. Online condolences may be made at www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com