John Michael Gillis

John Michael Gillis, Age 61, passed away on June 16, 2020 following a short illness. He was born on June 17, 1958 to Mary and Dexter Gillis in Marblehead, Massachusetts where he lived until he joined the United States Marine Corps.

Michael entered active duty as an enlisted Marine on December 6, 1978 and served as an enlisted Marine, being promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant. In May 1986 Michael joined the ranks of Warrant Officer. After more than 20 years of honorable service to his Country, Michael retired on September 1, 1998 at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3. While in the Marine Corps, Michael was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2nd Award), Navy Arctic Service Medal, Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon, Meritorious Mast (4th Award), Secretary of the Navy Letter of Commendation, and numerous Letters of Appreciation.

While on active duty, some of Michael’s educational accomplishments were completing a continuing education class on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, completing a course of instruction in Alcoholism and Drug Abuse and being certified as a Navy/Marine Drug and Alcohol Counselor, completing Rutgers University School of Alcohol Studies, then completing the University of California San Diego School of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Studies, along with several drug and alcohol conferences.

Over the years Michael received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Sociology, a Masters of Arts in Organizational Management, and a Masters of Science in Computer Information Systems.

Michael was with his husband Joel Hammett for over 25 years. Following retirement from the Marine Corps Michael was employed for 15 years as a defense contractor for the Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force. Most recently, Michael followed his heart and began a career in Animal Welfare where he worked as the Operations Manager at the Austin Animal Center for two years before accepting a job with the City of Corpus Christi Police Department as the Director of Animal Care Services where he served the community for over 2 years. He was recently promoted and expected to take on the additional role of Director of Code Compliance, however due to his sudden illness, he never assumed that role.

Michael was a loving husband, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and most importantly, a friend to all. He enjoyed cycling and was co-founder of Team Rogue Bicycle Club of San Diego where he mentored and coached cyclist of all skill levels to successfully participate in riding 100 miles in a single day, all while raising funds for organizations such as The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, The American Diabetes Foundation, and The Wounded Warriors Project.

Michael is preceded in death by his father Dexter Gillis, his sister Sharon Carlson, and his nephew Brandon Finch.

A Visitation and Celebration of Life, will be held at a later date due to COVID-19.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the National Prion Disease Surveillance Center, Case Western University, 2085 Adelbert Road, Room 429, Cleveland, OH 44106-4907.

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