James Clements "Jimmy" Gills

GILLS, James "Jimmy" Clements, of Powhatan, Virginia, devoted Jehovah's Witness, father, brother and friend, passed away on October 18, 2023 at the age of 91. Jimmy grew up in Ballsville, Virginia, one of 13 children on the family tobacco farm. He began his career with a Bond Bread route, went on to run both Archway and Pepperidge Farm cookie franchises but was always happiest on his tractor. In his later years, he shared his wealth of gardening knowledge with his sons, family and friends who were always amazed at how well Jimmy could remember details and events of years long past. He spent many days throughout his retirement planting and harvesting extensive vegetable gardens, and tending the hives of his honey bees that he raised alongside his wife of 70 years. Preceding him in death are his loving wife, Elizabeth Burton Gills, and a daughter, Janet Marie Gills; brothers, Paulus Gills, David Gills, Alan Gills and sisters, Patti Pepper, Bertha Kantzler, Nancy Barden and Dorothy Cannon. He is survived by his sons, Dewey Gills (Joyce) and Bruce Gills; his grandchildren Kate Gills and Clay Gills; his great-grandchildren Samantha Dunn, Miller Dunn and Alex Jones and his siblings; Ruth Cooper, Virginia McKenzie, Tommy Gills, Helen Bryan and Charlotte Sims.

Service will be held Saturday, October 28 at 12 p.m. at the Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Hall, 3228 Buckingham Road, Powhatan, Virginia 23139. For those unable to attend and wish to view by Zoom, please call Heath Rambo for the link at (614) 288-0450.