Jim E. Gulledge

Jim E. Gulledge of Melissa, Texas, passed away peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by loved ones and under the care of hospice, on the evening of February 24th, 2026, after a long, difficult battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Dalice and Edith Gulledge of Ashley County, Arkansas, siblings Cecil Gulledge of Slidell, Louisiana, Grover Gulledge of Springdale, Arkansas, and Mickey Gulledge of Dermott, Arkansas. Surviving siblings include William Gulledge (Brenda) of Greenville, Tennessee, and Janelle Broussard (Erol) of Delcambre, Louisiana.

Jim was born in Ashley County, Arkansas and raised in Portland, Arkansas. Upon graduating from Portland High School, he attended the University of Arkansas at Monticello, obtaining his Bachelor's degree in Education, and later received his Master's degree from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia in order to fulfill his lifelong dream of coaching basketball. He completed many successful seasons in Southeast Arkansas, having coached in Star City and at Star City High School and Drew Central High School in Monticello. He influenced the lives of so many youth in Arkansas.

After retiring from coaching Jim entered private business as owner of Selma Oak Flooring in Drew County Arkansas and Lake City Realty in Heber Springs Arkansas.

Jim is also survived by immediate family members including his wife of 42 years, Tamra D. Gulledge of Melissa, Texas; sons Greg Gulledge (Lyna) of Lead Hill, Arkansas and J.J. McClain (Christy) of Carrollton, Texas, and daughter, Bethany Echols (Will) of Melissa, Texas; by his grandchildren, James Gulledge, Trey and Kellan McClain, and Miles and Knox Echols; as well as his sisters in law, Becky Manuel of Dallas, TX, Lisa Manuel and Carrie Carter, both of Port Charlotte Florida.

A private family celebration of life will be held in Melissa, Texas. A graveside memorial service will be held in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, at Graceland Cemetery under the direction of Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Service on Friday, April 3rd at 11 o'clock.

He was loved by so many and touched countless lives with his larger than life personality. The love he had for so many people, especially his wife, children and grandchildren is the kind of love that won't easily be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Concho Hearts Hospice of Texas or the Alzheimer's Association (ALZ.org) in his memory.

In his final days, he was comforted by the presence of his family."

Online condolences may be made at www.robinsonfuller.com.