Melvin "Mel" Phillip Gillman

Melvin "Mel" Phillip Gillman, 82, of Jackson, CA, passed away Monday, January 23rd, at his home in Jackson. Melvin was born in Coffeyville, Kansas on November 16, 1929, a son of the late Meda (Scott) and John Phillip Gillman. Mel was serving his country in the U.S. Navy when he met Nancy "Faye" Schmidt in El Monte while on leave from his tour of duty in Korea. They were married on June 21, 1952 just two months before his discharge. The newlyweds moved to Jackson in 1956 and started Mel and Faye's Diner, "Home of the Mooburger" which became a popular meeting place in the area. Mel was an avid chess player, back in the day. He always had a chess board set up at the Diner, ready to play any local who was willing to make a bet, they just had to be patient while he flipped burgers in between moves. Mel's greatest passion in his later years was playing poker; he was a member of the Amador County Poker Tour (ACPT) and a regular at the Jackson Rancheria Poker Room. He was known as Mel "the Godfather" Gillman when at the poker table. In December of 2011 he took home the ACPT top prize "Player of the Month" in dominating fashion. Prior to his passing grandsons, Beau and Bryant honored him with one last "Big Game", present at the event were Beau and Bryant Gillman, Mark Giannini, Pat Holland, John Kirkpatrick, Sr., Brian Kirkpatrick, Jeff Votaw, Dennis Davis and Jim Arnold. Mel was on top of the world and on top of his game that night. In addition to poker Mel enjoyed bowling, golfing and many trips to Hawaii with his wife, Faye and their special group of Amador County friends. Mel was a Jackson city councilman from April 15, 1958 until April 19, 1965, serving two terms as mayor from April 16, 1963 to April 19, 1965. He was a past president of the Quarterback Club, and a member of the Jackson Rotary. Along with his beloved wife, Faye they were very active members of the Jackson Community. Mel, Faye and their group of close friends were icons in Amador County. Now that Mel and Faye are together again, not only their family and the incredible friends they made over the years but all of Amador County will forever miss them. Mel is survived by sons, Bart, and his wife, Maura Gillman, of Jackson; Vince Gillman, of Jackson; grandsons, Beau Gillman, Bryant Gillman, Bradley Gillman, Kyler Gillman, Austin Gillman; brother, Gary Gillman. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Faye in July of 2009 and his brother, Dean Gillman. Friends are invited to attend a visitation Friday, January 27, 2012, 5:00 to 7:00 PM, and a Rosary, 7:00 PM at St. Patrick Catholic Church with a mass of Christian burial on Saturday, January 28, 10:00 AM. Interment will be at Garden of Golden Memories, Sunset View Cemetery in Jackson. Friends of Mel's are invited to share in his memories at Mel's Diner, Creekside Banquet Room following the services. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society 1765 Challenge Way, Suite 115, Sacramento, CA 95815 or American Heart Association 2007 O Street, Sacramento, CA 95811.