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JAMES GIST Obituary
James Gist Sr.
UNION — Early Sunday morning, February 5, 2017, the angle of grace and mercy touched one ingratiated too many. Sergeant (Sgt.) James C. Gist Sr., also known as Mr. J.C., took his last breath and transitioned from his physical body into eternal rest.
J.C., the son of the late Bennie Robert Gist, Sr. and the late Pernetta Rice Gist, was born December 26, 1936 in Union. He was the loving husband of Jestine Norman Gist for 60 years and they resided in Union.
J.C. graduated from Sims High School and joined the United States Air Force as a Mess Cook on April 5, 1956. He served honorably in the Vietnam War from 1966 until 1967 as a cook and a messenger carrier. He also performed patrol and guard duty in the following Vietnam locations: Da Nang, Cam Ranh Bay, Pleiku, and Tan Son Nhut. He received the following medals and awards during his eleven years of active duty service: the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal and the Air Force Longevity Service Award with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster. Sgt. Gist was medically retired from the United States Air Force on May 27, 1967 in Springfield, Massachusetts where he was able to devote more of his time to his wife and family. J.C. served his community in various positions such as Chairman of the Trustee Board and several other servant positions at Corinth Baptist Church and volunteered his time with Carolina Mortuary, Gibson and Brown Funeral Home and Divine Mortuary over the years.
J.C is survived by his wife, Jestine Norman Gist and their four children, Modestine (Steven) Farr Union, S.C., Carolyn (Darrell) Gray Spartanburg, S.C., James (Linda) Gist Jr. York, Pa., Zilla G. (LaMont) Green Union, S.C.; 11 grandchildren, Luciana Still, Gary Still II, Jermaine Hill, Terrance (Shana) Gist, Damien (Kenya) Broadus, Jamaeka (Jason) Reid, Darrell Gray Jr., Alvin (Shana) Spruill, Jasmine Smith, James (Holly) Gist III, Gloria (Lamin) Goodman; 15 great-grandchildren; and a host of caring and loving relatives and friends.
He was predeceased by four sisters, Elizabeth Woodard, Leathia VanPelt, Amy Smith, Josephine Thomas; and two brothers, Bennie Robert Gist Jr. and Saul Gist; two twin daughters, Linda Jean Gist and Brenda Jean Broadus.
Funeral services will be held Friday, February 10 at 2 p.m. at Corinth Baptist Church. There will be no viewing of the body.
Divine Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JAMES GIST
KELLEY
February 24, 2017
MAY THE THOUGHT OF KNOWING THAT FRIENDS AND FAMILY SHARE IN YOUR GRIEF BE OF COMFORT TO YOUR FAMILY.PLEASE READ PROV 17:17
Annette Davis
February 11, 2017
I love my uncle such a good man who love his family. Which I could have been with my family but I know the Lord will keep them. He was a good husband and Father. May the Lord Keep my whole family and help them through this difficult which I will be praying . I love my family in Union South Carolina. You will be missed uncle JC. Love Gail
Thomas Rice, Jr
February 10, 2017
Uncle JC
Has always had a big heart and the desire to be help other's. For many summer's I visit and stayed at his home when they lives in Massachusetts. He was a strong family man. He said to me"Tommy", take your time as you discover what you really want in life, because you will have to live with your choice's and decision's. I will miss him.
Your Nephew
Linda Yeargin
February 9, 2017
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
February 9, 2017
A message of sympathy fr yr family May these few words of sympathy help at least in part to case the burden that you bear and the sadness in your heart Thinking Of you at this sad time.
Jewell Norman-Whatley
February 9, 2017
Uncle JC will be greatly missed. I can remember when you and Aunt Jestine can to visit during the summer in Aliquippa, PA it was always a pleasure of seeing you both. May you rest in peace within the hands of God. Your niece, Jewell Norman- Whatley
Andre DAVIS
February 9, 2017
Uncle J.C. you are a Man's Man, and the epitome of class and honor and an instructor of how to love a wife the way God loved the Church. Thank you for loving and taking care of my auntie for 60 plus years in a 1st class way. You will be missed by all of us very much, words cannot explain the sorrow we feel right now, but the joy we feel knowing that your at rest on the right side of the Lord, gives us comfort.
Lorenzo VanPelt
February 8, 2017
Uncle JC will be greatly missed. I have fond memories that will forever be remembered.
Your nephew Lorenzo VanPelt.
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Divine Mortuary, Funeral Home & Cremation Services5620 Hillandale Drive, Lithonia, GA 30058
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