He was preceded in death by his parents, Mahon Cecil Gaither and Lillie Ann Cockrell Gaither. He was a graduate of Kaiser High School. He continued his education in other areas during his military career.
Mr. Gaither will be remembered for his love of family, his country and his friends. Served 2 tours of duty in Vietnam ’64-65 with the 101st Airborne division “The Screaming Eagle” After his notable military career, he joined the Memphis Police Department as a police officer and later worked in security for the State of Tennessee and FedEx.
Mr. Gaither is survived by his wife of 43 years, Shirley Gaither of Byhalia, MS, son, James Gaither Jr. of Oakland, TN. three brothers, Bob Gaither of Senatobia, MS, Louis and Terry Gaither of Oakland, TN., and Sam Gaither of West Memphis, AR; three sisters, Lois Smith of Byhalia, Ms., Kathy Frisbee of Los Angeles, CA, and Phyllis Rottgering of Germantown, TN.; nephews Scott Gaither of Cordova, TN., Mike and Kristen Gaither of Olive Branch, MS, Shawn Gaither of Horn Lake, MS., Adam Gaither of Senatobia, Ms. and Blake and Sarah Gaither of Arlington, TN. And two nieces Stacey Peoples of Doniphan Mo and Carman Gaither of Little Rock, AR.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Bill Gaither, Larry Gaither, four half-brothers Samuel Gaither, William "Woody" Gaither, Leon Gaither, Maurice "Bit" Gaither, a stepdaughter Regina Catinchi and nephew Scott "Sammy" Gaither.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers were Scott Gaither, Mike Gaither, Blake Gaither, Louis Gaither, Sam Gaither, and Trea Ballard.
James's enduring legacy of service and love will continue to be an inspiration to all who knew him. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation at Brantley Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 from 9:30-11:30 am with a funeral service to begin at 11:30 am. Burial will follow at West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery where military funeral honors will be rendered. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Tunnel to Towers Foundation in his honor.
