SOUTH THOMASTON — John James Gilliland, Jr., 90, a man with a twinkle in his eye, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Sussman House in Rockport.

John was born May 2, 1936, in Aurora, Nebraska, the son of John J. Gilliland, Sr. and Josephine A. Hansen Gilliland. He was educated in Nebraska and graduated from Grand Island High School. He went on to earn an Associate's degree in Electronics from Oklahoma State University, and through years of hands-on work experience, ultimately earned an engineering degree as well.

John served proudly in the U.S. Air Force as an aircraft mechanic during the Korean War. After being honorably discharged in 1958, he married the love of his life, Jan Hermann. Embarking on his newest journey, John began a 37-year career with the Federal Aviation Administration. Working his way up through the ranks, he ‘retired’ as an electronics technician and manager. However, retirement never slowed him down. He stayed busy and kept working for many years afterward. He spent 21 years as a Golf Ranger at Samoset, where he made countless friendships and connections, many of which he maintained for years to come.

John had a heart made for children. He was a devoted leader with the Boy Scouts and served on the Board of Directors for the Girl Scouts, and he loved nothing more than being out among kids, coaching, umpiring, cheering them on. It was only fitting, then, that John found his true calling playing Santa Claus, a role he cherished for over a decade at several different locations. With his warm belly laugh and gentle spirit, he brought the magic of the holidays to life for children young and old. Among his most treasured Santa adventures were his trips flying on Air New England with his Elves to spread Christmas cheer to children in Keene, New Hampshire.

Together with Jan by his side John traveled extensively throughout the United States, with a special fondness for the Midwest. During his years living in California, he raised horses, including Arabians and Quarter Horses. John and his family were true outdoor people, and he took great joy in camping and hiking.

Whether he was decked out in his red suit, tending to his horses, or setting up camp under the stars, John lived his life with generosity, warmth, and a childlike joy that touched everyone around him. He will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to know and love him, and his spirit of kindness and cheer will live on in the countless lives he touched.

Predeceased by his beloved wife, Jan; his brother; two sisters; two sons, Daniel Gilliland, John ‘Jamie’ Gilliland, II; and a grandson, Justin Clark; John is survived by his sons Thomas Gilliland of South Thomaston, Joseph Gilliland of Winslow; his daughters, Donna Feener and her husband Chris of Bad Axe, Michigan, Nancy Johnson and her husband Bryan of Sonora, California; his grandchildren Daniel Gilliland, Jr. and his mother Gayle Hathaway, Ashley Clark and her father Scott Clark, Kelsey Nelson, Chandler Kent, Jack Gilliland, Tanner Gilliland, Bryce Gilliland and Stephen Cross; as well as many great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 11 a.m., at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Village Cemetery, Dublin Road, South Thomaston.

To share a memory or condolence with the Gilliland family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.