James Allen Gilliland, age 73, of Jackson, passed away peacefully Monday, March 26, 2018 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born March 28, 1944 in Jackson County, Ohio to the late Charles Delbert and Elizabeth Jones “Libby” Gilliland. He graduated from Jackson High School in 1962, and after graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served his time in Vietnam.
James was a retired supervisor from GTE and worked diligently for the betterment of his community as well at a national level. Jim was active in the Jackson County Unit of the American Cancer Society, serving as Chair for the Relay for Life. He also served for many years as Logistics Chair for the American Cancer Society and wore many other hats for the Relay for Life event. He was a past president and very active member of the Jackson Kiwanis Club. He helped organize their annual golf outing and was an active member for all of their community service projects. He enjoyed watching the Ohio State Buckeyes and was a member of the Fairgreens Country Club. Golf was his passion; he spent many hours with his golfing buddies.
He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Sandra Ingalls “Kay” Gilliland; daughters: Patricia (Mark) Rinehart, Tina (Brandon) Crosier, Yvette (Greg) Oliver and son, Norm (Sharon Russell) Steele, sister: Kay (John) Brown, brothers: Monte (Linda) Gilliland and Steve “Frog” Gilliland; sister-in-law: Ann (Ruth Shephard) Ingalls; grandchildren: Nashanda (Brett) Bobst, Shea (Michelle Leach) Meredith, Davy (Aliana) Muncy, Devin Muncy, Jerrit Crosier, Grant Crosier, Lori (Patrick) Denny, Greggie (Amanda) Oliver, Derek Oliver and Brandon (Stephanie) Oliver; and great-grandchildren: Eli Ray, Braden Bobst, Brantley Bobst, Kole Meredith, Avanelle Meredith, Dyllan Coffey, Jayce Denny, Brynlyn Denny, Madden Oliver and Beckham Oliver. He was also survived by special aunts and uncle, Judy (Curt) Wiggins and Sue Jones, as well as several other aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law, Denise Gilliland; and grandparents, Homer and Merle Jones and James Dewy and Mable Gilliland.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 31, 2018 at the Mayhew-Brown Funeral Home with Pastor Nathan Moore officiating, with burial to follow in the Fairmount Cemetery and military graveside services being performed by the Jackson Chapter 45 DAV. Family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 30, 2018 at the Mayhew-Brown Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in James’ name can be made to: Heartland Hospice, 404 E. Huron St., Jackson, Ohio 45640, or to the Jackson Senior Center, c/o Susan Morgan, 25 East Mound St., Jackson, Ohio 45640.
Condolences can be emailed to www.mayhew-brownfuneralhome.com