James Bruce GILLIAM

GILLIAM, Mr. James Bruce 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; three daughters and son-in-law, Veronica Herd of Cookeville, TN; Karen Heppner of Goldendale, WA, Marsha (Jerry) Courtad of Gainesboro, TN; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Ronald (Patsy) Gilliam-Marana, AZ; Gerald (June) Gilliam of Litchfield Park, AZ; Philip (Gloria) Gilliam of Glendale, AZ; two sisters and brother-in-law, Glenda (Dwight) Fohner of Niceville, Fla. and Brenda Burchfield of Asheville, NC; grandchildren and 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.