James Harry Gabriel

James H. Gabriel went home to be with the Lord on Thursday February 4, 2016 at Baptist Hospital in Jackson. Visitation will be held Sunday February 7, 2016 from 3:00 till 5:00 PM at Parkway Funeral Home in Ridgeland. The memorial service will be Monday February 8, 2016 at 11:00 AM at Alta Woods Baptist Church in Jackson, with visitation an hour before. All former Alta Woods Baptist Choir members are invited to join the Chancel Choir to sing “The Majesty and Glory of His Name” during the memorial service.

James was born November 9, 1948, to Ed and Nella Gabriel. James is survived by his wife of 45 years, Jan (Horton) Gabriel, and son Jason, of Blacksburg, VA, and wife, Amy (Comans) Gabriel and three children. The joys of James’s life were his grandchildren Jackson, John Parker and Annaliese. James is also survived by his brother, Dick Gabriel, of Columbus, Oh, Dick’s wife Pat, and their children Ryan and Erin; his mother-in-law, Delores Glazier; his sister-in-law Diane Horton; his nephew Blake Horton, of Taylor Ms, and Blake’s wife Katie and son Sam. He was predeceased by his parents and grandparents, his brothers-in-law Roger and Bobby Horton, and father-in-law Clark Horton, former City Commissioner of Jackson.

James started attending Alta Woods Baptist Church the first Sunday after his family moved to Jackson in 1954, and with the exception of a four-year interlude, has attended as a faithful and active member ever since, serving as a deacon, choir member, Sunday school teacher, and church leader. Everyone knew he loved the Lord after hearing his beautiful prayers whether at church, home or wherever he was asked to pray. He never failed to ask the Lord to protect all of our men and women who so bravely serve and protect our country.

James was a partner at Pyle, Mills, Dye and Pittman and served as an attorney for the City of Ridgeland. James graduated from Provine High School in 1966, the University of Mississippi in 1970 and Mississippi College School of Law in 1981. While at Ole Miss, James was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega and Scabbard and Blade. While in law school, he was a member of the Law Review. James served in the U.S. Army Reserves for 27 years, retiring as Colonel. He started in the 2nd MTC and ended in the 2nd Brigade, 87th Training Division. James loved his years in the Reserves, where he made many lifelong friends. He enjoyed playing golf and having a good laugh with anyone around him. It was clear to everyone who knew him that James loved the Lord, his family and his Country.