James R. Gilyard

James Robert Gilyard, Sr., was born July 1, 1940 in Baltimore, MD to the late Ida and Willie Gilyard, departed this life peacefully on September 11, 2015 at his home in Baltimore, MD. James received his education in the Baltimore City School system. After high school he began work as a self-taught bass guitar player. His first group was with a Doo-Wop group called the Crystals. He later became the bass player for a local musical group called the Shyndells Band. James, also known as J.G. at the time, took pride in the fact that the group always consisted of talented musicians who could all read music. In the 60's, James and the Shyndells backed-up or opened fro well-known artists such as Moms Mabley, Redd Foxx, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Percy Sledge, Marvin Gaye, and Tammi Terell. In addition to the local club scene, the group also performed at larger venues including the Lyric Theatre and the Baltimore Civic Center, where they performed with the Temptations and Lou Rawls. During the 60's and 70's, James partnered with his close friend, Kenny Hamber and they formed the Kenny Hamber and J.G. Hitchikers band which featured vocalist, Kitty Karl. When not touring in the 70's, James started and operated his own business called Gil Jameason's Messenger and Delivery Service. After ending his business venture, he enjoyed working as a private chauffeur for the CEO of the Lohman Company in Baltimore, MD. During the 80's and 90's, James played in other local venues such as the Arch Social Club. James' music took him all over the world, including gigs playing for the United States Military, entertaining the US troops to help boost the morale of service men and women. Not only was he the bass player, but he was also the band's music director. The band performed in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Hungary, Belgium, Holland, England, Germany, Greenland, Iceland, and Paris. They also performed in Alaska as part of the military tour. In 2003, James featured his exceptional musician skills with Kenny and the group at the All Stars R&B Reunion Show at the 5th Regiment Armory in Baltimore. They also were the featured band to play at the Arch Social Club at special events in 2010. In 2013, James received the Governor's citation award and the Baltimore City Council President's award for his outstanding services and for his dedication and performance in the entertainment world. Affectionately known as Gil or Hundu, by some of his friends, James loved being adventurous and having a good time. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed riding his motorcycles and fishing with his brother, Wardell and other friends. In his younger days, he loved to bowl and roller skate. James was preceded in death by his son, James Robert (Robbie) Gilyard, Jr. and three brothers, John Henry Alston, Wardell Gilyard, and Clarence A. Gilyard. Survivors include three children from his former marriage to Herbie Gilyard: Stanley, Raymond, Shelnecia; four children from his former partner, Delores Saunders; April (Horace), Deionna, Damien and Dorien; four sisters: Nadell Gilyard, Willie M. Johnson, Ida M. Hines, and Klara Gilyard; two sisters-in-laws: Johnnie Lee Alston and Portia A. Gilyard; eight grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. He also leaves to mourn a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives along with his former band members: Kenny Hamber, Warren Garrison, Robert Covington (Cub), Quacoo, Johnny Mason, and Larry Moore.

Tributes

James R. Gilyard

July 1, 1940 - September 11, 2015