September 04, 2014

Sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Your father was a true gentleman and a true friend.
Brian Oleskowitz

October 29, 2013

Jim and Bryan – I was sad to read of your dad’s passing.  I wanted to come to the funeral but was out of town.  I remember the Saturday afternoons when your dad played banjo for us on the farm, it was a good time.  man those were the days!
Jack stoner
 

October 26, 2013

I just heard of Jim’s passing.  I will always remember him fondly at all of the Sillaman Family Reunions.  My dad, Tub, loved to go to those reunions to be with his first cousins and reminisce days gone by.  I was always amazed how close the Sillaman family was and is.  RIP Cousin Jim and love to all of my other cousins, Brenda Sillaman-Fasekas

October 26, 2013

To All the Sillamans,  I want to say how sorry I am to learn of the passing of your father.  I haven’t been through Linden street in a number of years, but I have very fond memories of that place. I would love going over there with my friend Bill and just watch everyone sitting on the front porch and jam. I think of those times and have to smile.  To all of you….Know your dad brought happy memories to people he was around. He is in great hands now. Peace to your family. Hope you are all well.
An old friend,
Mike Schmidt
 

October 25, 2013

I was saddened to hear of Jim’s passing.  He was my neighbor and friend for many years and a true gentleman.  I loved hearing the music coming from his porch. Many great memories.  RIP my friend. My condolences to his family.
Michael Leidy
 

October 24, 2013

To Mrs. Sillaman and the rest of the family I want to say how sad I am to learn of the passing of Mr. Sillaman. Although I haven’t seen him in many years, I have very fond memories of him. Probably my most favorite are of him sitting on the front porch on Linden Street.  It seems like yesterday when he was playing music and having Dawn join in wiith her violin. It was always a happy scene and thinking of them now make me smile.
I hope you can all find some peace in your memories of him and also in the memories other share with you. 
Fondly,
Jessica “Gigi” Snyder Miller

October 23, 2013

You will be missed o’le friend.  Your music, laughter, witt and all your knowledge will stay dear to my heart! Say hello to Shope & Hippy!
RIP my friend
Tad Hippensteel 

October 23, 2013

To all the Sillaman’s:
 
I have so many fond memories of your father.  He was an inspiration to me as I grew up just across the street.  I remember when I was a teenager looking out my window hoping to see Jim setting on your front porch with his guitar so I could run over with my banjo and do a little pickin’.  When I didn’t see him on the porch I would walk around your house and typically find him either in the garden or in the shed with his dog Duke.  Once I found him I would say “you want to pick?”  Sometimes he would look at me and his eyes would say I have too many chores to do but he always found time later that evening to sit on the front porch and pick.  I believe Jim also took me to my first bluegrass festival in Gettysburg.  I can remember walking around from tent to tent with our instruments picking away with those we met.  I know your father is resting peacefully in Heaven picking away and telling his stories to all.  I hope you all find comfort in the coming days.  I will miss Jim.  When I play my banjo I will always think of him.
 
Bill Merris
Berlin, CT

October 23, 2013

I send my sympathies and prayers of comfort to Fran and to Jim’s entire family.  Jim was a wonderful man to know.  It was easy to see he loved life as well as enjoying and respecting all types of people. Of course all who knew Jim understood that he enjoyed music and the outdoors.  I’m certain his memory will shine brightly in the hearts of all his family.
Sincerely,
Lee Ober  

October 23, 2013

To the Sillaman Family,  You have my deepest sympathy.  Uncle Jim was the most loved and respected man I know and was loved by all.  We will miss him terribly.  I remember those stories he told with ease and the laughter we all shared.  I always will remember all your family visits to my parents home in Finleyville and the excitement I had to see all of you.  Aunt Fran, I will be praying for you and all your family.  Love to all, Becky and John Krucik.

October 22, 2013

To all the Sillamans,
I am saddened to hear of Jim’s passing.  He was a wonderful man, a kind soul, and a friend to all he met.  In my case, he and I shared colleges (F&M), farming, and a fondness for rural living.  On my last visit to Lancaster a few years ago, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to spend the better part of the morning visiting with your Mom and Dad.  I always enjoyed your Dad’s gift for storytelling and that morning he shared tales of his early life with a friend named “Prinkie” (and a motorcycle in a bar), as well as some harrowing experiences in the Air Corps during WWII.  Before I left, I was given a tour of his garden and fruit trees – a small slice of heaven right there in his backyard, and a bag full of produce (strawberries, radishes, and lettuce), a small token of the friendship he felt for me.  Actually, over the years, it was rare to encounter Jim and not discuss what was currently “in season” so that made this “care package” all the more special.  At any rate, now that he is gone physically, I hope that you can all find comfort in knowing that you were blessed with a remarkable father, a man who made an ever favorable impression on the world around him, and one who found a way to make the most of all that life provided.  He will be sorely missed but never forgotten, surely an appropriate testament to the father you all knew and loved. 
With our heartfelt condolences,  sincerely, Kim and Elliot Ross      

October 22, 2013

I am sorry for your loss . Jim was a great guy . I remember him coming to HazelHurst to his camp . My dad Les Himes , talked about him alot . Now him and dad will be together again . RIP .
                                                                                                   Brenda Gilligan

October 22, 2013

We wish to send our condolence to the family of Jim. Worked with him at Wyeth Labs. for many years. He will be greatly missed.
Nick and Mary English 

October 22, 2013

May you rest in Peace, Mr. Sillaman. You made a big impression on the little ol’ town of Hazel Hurst and many more, I’m sure. We will miss your music, your stories and most of all just you. You were a friend to many. I’ve only known you for a short time but my husband and his family have many fond memories of you and your family. To the Sillaman family, we are truly sorry for your loss and will be thinking of and praying for you all..
The Himes’
Gene Jr., Chrissy, Cole(4), and Lucas(22 mths)

October 22, 2013

Rest in Peace Jim, You and my dad Lester Himes behave up there in Heaven, He will be glad to see you.
   To your family, we are very sorry for your loss. You have wonderful memories.
                              Cathy Paulson, Mt.Jewett Pa

October 22, 2013

I grew up n Hazel Hurst where the Sillman’s have their camp.  I will always remember Jim and his guys playing their instruments at the annual chicken bbq and the Hamlin Twn VFD and he always had big hug waiting for me.  My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time, he will be sorely missed.
Stephanie (Himes) Nicklas