Reverend John P. (Jack) Gilbert (STH’64,’65,’68)
This obituary was shared on Belle Meade United Methodist Church’s Facebook page by Joy Gilbert, on June 12.
The Reverend John P. (Jack) Gilbert 
crossed the river to be with his Maker on Saturday, June 5, 2021, after a very brief illness.
He was born February 11, 1936, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the son of the late Claude and Madery Gilbert, and was recently preceded in death by his brother Dennis Gilbert of Minneapolis.
Jack grew up in Abingdon, Illinois through 10th grade, where he attended Abingdon Methodist Church, and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Finishing high school in Minneapolis, MN, he received his first affirmation for his writing abilities.
Jack graduated from the University of MN and spent two years in the U.S. Army before attending Boston University School of Theology and completing his seminary education in 1964, graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree. During this time, he also completed pastorates in Dighton, Massachusetts. In 1974 he returned to Boston University to complete his doctoral course work.
Jack was ordained an elder in the Minnesota Annual Conference of the Methodist Church in 1966, and later transferred to the Tennessee Conference. He moved to Nashville, TN in 1968 where he accepted a position on the editorial staff of the Adult Publications Division of the Board of Education of the United Methodist Church. In 28 years at The United Methodist Publishing House he served as a developer and editor of youth and adult curriculum resources, in administration, in sales, and in interpretation, as a curriculum writer — often Adult Bible Study lessons (and even getting fan mail!) and as author (sometimes with Nan) of books and Lay Speaker resources. He was also a leadership trainer, adjunct faculty at several seminaries, and a teacher and administrator of the TN Conference UMC Course of Study. In addition, he was part of the training staff for the international Disciple Bible Study.
Jack served as “interim” pastor at Rocky Glade Cumberland Presbyterian Church (for 13 years!) and after retiring from The United Methodist Publishing House in 1996 he pastored at Eagleville UMC, Concord UMC, and Harris Chapel UMC. Locally, Jack was a longtime member of the Stones River (formerly Murfreesboro) District Committee on Ministry and is remembered fondly as a friend and mentor.
In addition to his passion for serving others, Jack loved adventure. He and his wife Nan traveled to the Holy Land five times. The last two trips they were accompanied by daughter, Joy. Jack and Nan were proud of their designation as “loopers” after completing an 11-month boat journey that includes part of the Atlantic, Gulf Intracoastal Waterways, the Great Lakes, Canadian Heritage Canals, and the inland rivers of America’s heartland.
Since 1980, Jack was the husband, best friend, and colleague of Rev. Nancy C. (Nan) Zoller. He was previously married to the late Mary D. Gilbert. In addition, he was the loving father of five children: Craig M. Gilbert (DeeAnne), and their son Ian, Joy E. Gilbert (Michael Miles), Jeff Zoller (Brandi), and their sons Jacob (Daniely) and Grant, and daughter Joanna, Samantha Zoller (aka Naomi), and Jason Zoller (Trish) and their daughter Caitlyn.
Jack’s wisdom, his love for his family, his subtle humor, his friendship, his interest in everyone, his humility, and his loving nature have blessed his family, individuals, the church, and even parts of the world.
Trinity United Methodist Church in Murfreesboro, TN will host visitation with the family on Friday, June 25, from 4:00 – 8:00 pm with a Time of Worshiping God and Celebrating Jack’s life on Saturday, June 26 at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Boston University School of Theology, 745 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215 or Project Transformation, 1008 19th Ave. S, Nashville, TN 37212.