Photo courtesy of Whitson Funeral Home - Cookeville Chapel
Cookeville, Tennessee
May 13, 1936 – Jul 26, 2017
Mr. James Bruce Gilliam, 81 of Cookeville, TN passed away on Wednesday, July 26, 2017 at the Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Mr. Gilliam’s family has chosen cremation and a memorial service will be held at a later date.
James Bruce Gilliam was born on May 13, 1936 in Wise, VA to the late James Delno and Belvia (Dotson) Gilliam. James worked in Mining all his adult life. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his Wife: Betty Sue (Hitt) Gilliam on February 1, 2012, and Son-In-Law: Aaron Herd on August 17, 2012.
On April 1, 1954, James and his cousin hitchhike from Wise, VA to California. He wound up going to work in Silver Bell, AZ where he met the love of his life of nearly 55 years.
He loved to tell stories, especially about the days of mining in Arizona, New Mexico, Tennessee, and Nevada. He never met a stranger. James was proud of his family, especially his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
He is survived by Son and Daughter-In-Law: James B. “Jimmy” (Carrie) Gilliam II of Maysville, KY.
3 Daughters and Son-In-Law: Veronica Herd of Cookeville, TN
Karen Heppner of Goldendale, WA
Marsha (Jerry) Courtad of Gainesboro, TN
3 Brothers and Sisters-In-Law: Ronald (Patsy) Gilliam-Marana, AZ
Gerald (June) Gilliam of Litchfield Park, AZ
Philip (Gloria) Gilliam of Glendale, AZ
2 Sisters and Brother-In-Law: Glenda (Dwight) Fohner of Niceville, Fla.
Brenda Burchfield of Asheville, NC
Grandchildren & Spouses: Rachel(Chad) Brown, Trey(Jamie)Gilliam, Kristen Herd, Micaijah Bowman, Clay Gilliam, Zach Heppner, and Tristan Bowman.
Great Grandchildren: Colton Gilliam and Airowynn Bowman
WHITSON FUNERAL HOME IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS
(931) 526-2151
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AS A GOOD FRIEND TO VERONICA I AM VERY SORRY FOR THE PASSING OF YOUR FATHER, MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
EDWARD JONES
August 16, 2017 | ST. LOUIS/GREENOCK, MO
From my family to yours, so sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace, and may God Bless you all.
Ernie Molinar Robles
August 13, 2017 | Tucson, AZ
We're so sorry to hear about Jim. Although we never saw him often, we enjoyed his company when we did. He was a wonderful man, and we know you miss him terribly. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Randy & Gail Swindle
August 11, 2017 | Salmon, ID
Many prayers to the family.
Jeremy Hitt
August 10, 2017 | Rose Hill, KS
Our prayers are with you.
Rest in peace Mr. Gilliam.
Love and respect,
Laura (Snow) Spears
Laura Spears
August 10, 2017 | Loveland, CO
Marie Mosley
August 10, 2017 | Cookeville, TN
Veronica and Jim...my deepest condolences to you and your families. It is never easy to lose a loved one, but the passing of one's parents brings a poignant and irreversible change to our lives. May you find comfort in the memories of love and laughter.
Barbara Lively
August 10, 2017 | New Concord, KY
My love and prayers are with you all today. Rest in Peace Uncle Jim.
Love, Jo Ann Sears
August 10, 2017
My deepest condolences to your family. A loss to all as Jim Gilliam was a treasure to know and love.
Trisha Tinsley
August 10, 2017 | Tucson, AZ