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Galen "Jim" Gilstrap, the beloved husband of Patricia Lepre Gilstrap, died March 31 at his home in Branford. Jim was born in Startex, South Carolina, on Feb. 25, 1941, and was the son of the late Glenn and Vivian Roddy Gilstrap.

He was a US Army Veteran of the Vietnam War and was the retired owner of Princess Limousine. He was also the former owner of Arjay Store Fixtures and Colonel Lip's Restaurant & Bar in New Haven. He was an avid sports enthusiast and always looked forward to his annual trip to Saratoga in August.

Besides his wife, Jim is survived by his children Sabine Rastocky of South Carolina, Michael Gilstrap of Maine, and Megan Gilstrap (Alexander Knight-Hernandez) of Branford; his grandchildren James Rastocky and Brittany Gilstrap; his brother Dale (Brenda) Gilstrap of South Carolina; and sisters-in-law Betty Gilstrap and Mary Masker. He was also a special uncle to his nieces and nephews in South Carolina. He was predeceased by a brother, Elden "Whitey" Gilstrap; a sister, June Feeney; and a brother-in-law, James Lepre.

Funeral services will be private. A public memorial service will be held at a later date. For an online guestbook, see www.wsclancy.com.