Cameron Joseph 'CJ' Gilson

CAMERON JOSEPH “CJ” GILSON

West Palm Beach, Fla.

Lost too soon, Cameron Joseph "CJ" Gilson, 26, was a loving son, a good friend and a beautiful soul. He lost his battle with addiction on March 27, 2022, in West Palm Beach, Fla., where he had been living following a recent stay in recovery services there.

CJ is survived by his parents, Scott and Carrie Amling; siblings, Dylan and Knox; parents, Ron and Ashley Gilson; siblings, Kylie, Ashley, Christian, Charlie, Carter, Codie and Brielle; grandparents, Linus and Louise Amling, Dixie Gilson and Sue Steel; and many uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Lilia Gilson; and grandparents, Alberta and Clair Cameron, Ronald Cameron and Ronald Gilson Sr.

CJ was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Oct. 5, 1995. He will be remembered for his charming personality, disarming good looks and his infectious smile. Unfortunately, he will also be remembered as a statistic. But the manner of his death did not change the events of his life. From a young age CJ was spirited, and he threw himself whole-heartedly into new experiences. He had an amazing sense of humor. He was a talented competitor in baseball and football and he shined on and off the field. He graduated from Kennedy High School in 2014. He loved fiercely.

A private burial will be held for CJ, but all are welcomed to his Celebration of Life to be held at the Knights of Columbus, 1620 E Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Please join family and friends from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 9, with a special toast at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to honor CJ. Even though the chapters in his book of life have ended to soon, if a life can be saved because his was lost, his story will live on.