My grandparents moved to Manhattan Beach in 1937 and were one of the first to build in the Hill Section in 1940. My dad is a Mira Costa class of 1962 and my children are class of 2018 and 2020. Unfortunately, my dad’s job took us to Ohio where I attended high school. I did attend Pennekamp Elementary and I know several from the MCHS class of 1983. I served 5 years in the USAF, 2 in Japan and 2 in Greece, with the Electronic Security Command. When I returned, I got heavily involved in our community by participating in Leadership Manhattan Beach, Community Police Academy, and Community Emergency Response, and served two terms as a Cultural Arts Commissioner. My background in genealogy and involvement with the MB Historical Society led me to create the Manhattan Beach Pioneers. The purpose is to have families with 50+ years of residency in Manhattan Beach present to the group about their family history. Photos and stories always thrill the audience. We have captured all the presentations over the last 7 years on video that will soon be available on the MBHS website. I love horses, Harleys, cigars, and red wine!
About James R Gill
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My kids are 4th generation Manhattan Beach residents. I have one daughter still at home attending El Camino College where my parents met. My wife Becka and I recently celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary!
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am a financial planner with Wells Fargo Advisors and have a 30-year background in finance.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Get involved with our community and I recommend starting by signing up for the Leadership Manhattan Beach class!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 10 years I would like to be retiring from the financial planning business and transitioning to real estate sales. I have been RE licensed for about 20 years. Most importantly, I want to be right here with more time spent in our community.
James R Gill & Our Community
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Very sadly, we lost two of my all-time favorites over the last two years, Houston’s and Grimaldi’s. Two that still mean the world to me are O-Sho and MB Post.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I hope to one day be a full Pioneer myself, but as of now, I am at 35 years living in MB. I did spend many a gap-year summer here with my grandmother!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Kathleen Terry. A true community leader and mentor. She has facilitated Leadership MB for 20+ years. Steve Napolitano is a close second who knows more about this city than anyone.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Pancho’s, as we have had so many family dinners here over the decades. I am not sure how I left this one off the favorite restaurant list?!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The people. All the leaders in this community are amazing people. All our friends are wonderful. With these people by my side, we can enjoy all the special things MB has to offer!
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Michael Henry, a USAF veteran friend of mine who lives in FL and we just don’t get together enough. We served in Greece together and every time we are together life lights up like a Christmas tree!
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Curse of Oak Island. I can’t wait until they find the treasure!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
My genealogy work. I have connected over 500 people in all my family lines using Facebook allowing us to share photos and stories. It has been so rewarding!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Galloping on a tall horse or riding a Harley on an empty, winding road on a sunny day.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My boss and partner, Shannon Ryan! You should see the hike we just completed yesterday!
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Sun, Sand, Sea.