John “Jack” Dalton Gilmer

John “Jack” Dalton Gilmer of Madison, TN passed away peacefully in the evening of February 3, 2022 at the age of 76.

Jack loved being on the water, a good gin and tonic, great music, and spending time with his friends. Each of those individually were something he enjoyed, put them all together and he was as happy as a man could be.

During his early years, Jack kept his parents on their toes with hijinks like bringing an engine into his bedroom through the window to rebuild it, and something about “borrowing” a spotlight from the local Shoney’s. Jack attended Messick High School in Memphis TN, graduating with the class of ‘63. He then did a brief stint at Memphis State University before focusing on his music career.  He had a band, Jack Gilmer and The Playboys, before going on to work in the Memphis and then Nashville music industries as an engineer, producer, and occasional musician (guitar and keyboard). He produced many artists including T.G. Sheppherd during this time in his life.

Jack, seeing the potential of the coming video age, pivoted into videography in the early 1980’s and started his own company Southern Video Systems. He recorded performances for Nashville’s Fan Fair music festival for many years in addition to other commercial work. He later became very involved with videoing events at various horse shows across the nation with Premier Video. He enjoyed his video work tremendously as it allowed him to meet interesting people, travel to some far-off places, and do some unusual and exciting things.

After an unfortunate health event that left him unable to live on his own, Jack spent the last years of his life in the loving care of Carolyn West and Doris Perkins of Madison, TN. It was in their home and care that he was well provided for and made comfortable for several years until his passing.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents, Carl D. Gilmer Jr. and Catherine Caradine Gilmer, and his brother Carl D. Gilmer III. He is survived by his son, John Kevin Gilmer, daughter in law Kathy Kledzik Gilmer, granddaughters Hannah and Sarah Gilmer, and his ex-wife June Hayes.

It should come as no surprise to those that knew him that Jack did not want a big memorial service. He would want to be remembered for the good times he had with his friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests donations to Musicares (www.musicares.org) or Agape Child and Family Services (www.agapemeanslove.org).

Care and comfort for the Gilmer family is provided by the staff of Lumen Cremation, 7978 Coley Davis Road, Suite:101, Nashville, Tennessee, 37221. (615) 549-0074 Online at lumencremation.com

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