James Thomas Gault

James T. (Jim/Gramps) Gault, 79 of Ocala, FL, passed away on March 21, 2026. Jim was born in Detroit MI to James Marshall and Mary Margaret (nee Hill) Gault on January 28, 1947. Jim enjoyed being the second oldest boy in a large family and stayed close to his siblings. Jim graduated from St Clement High School, Center Line Michigan in 1965. After high school, he began his lifelong affiliation with the Detroit Carpenters Union, beginning in the apprenticeship program. Jim’s first marriage to JoEllen gave him three wonderful children. Jim later married the love of the rest of his life, Nancy Gault, on September 23, 1993 and gained two more bonus children. Jim and Nancy enjoyed their time in Michigan cruising on Lake St. Clair, until they retired early to Ocala. They continued their love of the water, but Jim was content to let the captain steer the ship as they enjoyed many extended cruises over the years, including bucket list cruises in Europe and Alaska. Jim also enjoyed golf with his buddies, although he never forgave Nancy for getting a hole in one when he never did. When home, Jim enjoyed cooking and we all enjoyed eating the results. His friends will definitely miss their chief baker. He was a great friend of Bill W. and in January was proud to earn his 33-year coin. Jim tried hard to stay retired, but his inability to be idle lead to him un-retiring a few times. His last retirement was from the International Carpenters Union where he helped write instructional manuals for the apprenticeship program. Jim is survived by his wife, Nancy, and his children: Jamie (Larry) Black, James (Melissa) Gault, Jason (Judy Fischer) Gault, Carol (Joe) Hudecek and Christina (Frank) Longman. He had 12 grandchildren he loved and spoiled, Joelle, Zachariah, Joshua, Angela, Britani, Jimmie, Laura, Adam, Katerina, Carly, Gray, and Matthew and 8 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, John (Julia Lapeer) Gault, Evelyn “Lynn” (Don) Renkert, Christine (Dave) Platt and Suzanne (Joe) Simpson and his nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother, Christopher. A memorial service to celebrate his life for his many friends in Ocala will take place on April 7 at 2 PM at Roberts of Ocala West Chapel, 6241 SW State Rd, Ocala. For his extended family and friends in the north, a memorial service will take place in Michigan on April 19 at Laurel Manor in Livonia at 11 AM with lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Special Olympics of Michigan.

James Thomas Gault

January 28, 1947 - March 21, 2026