Jimmy Dean Gammons

Jimmy “Jim” Dean Gammons, a retired aerospace quality control inspector, died on October 16th, 2022, at the age of 81. He was born in Portageville, MO to Jeanette (Adams) and Ernest "Cheese" Gammons.

Jim graduated from Portageville High School in 1959. He enlisted in the US Air Force and honorably served for 4 years before moving to Arizona where he met his beloved wife, Beulah “Ann”. They wed on May 14,1965 and were married for 45 years. Jim began his aerospace career at Garrett Turbine Engine Company as a hand finish operator. He held many positions in manufacturing before becoming a quality control inspector until his retirement in 1996 from Allied Signal Aerospace.

Jim loved the outdoors and nature. He and his brother Joe could often be found in a fishing boat on the calm waters of Roosevelt or Saguaro Lake. Baseball was Jim’s favorite sport. He loved to play as a child and even coached his son Ernie’s team, just as his own father had coached he and Joe in their youth.

Jim enjoyed rodeo and was a team roper for much of his adult life. In 1985, he and Ann purchased acreage in Queen Creek because she wanted a horse. She began riding and participating in rodeo events and Jim quickly gained interest. He gleaned his experience from coworkers who later became close friends. Over the span of 15 years, Jim and Ann enjoyed competing together in the Cliff Garrett Memorial rodeo, taking home numerous buckles. After Ann’s passing in 2010, Jim spent much of his time attending local roping events and cheering on the younger generation of rodeo enthusiasts. He also looked forward to attending the annual National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas with his family, as he and Ann had for years.

Jim had a long-standing relationship with God and was very blessed with his faith to his dying breath. He will be forever remembered for his gentle nature, caring heart, and unconditional love. Although our hearts are heavy, we will celebrate his life and find comfort that he is in heaven watching over us.

Jim is survived by his son, Ernest Lee (Jennifer) of Gilbert, AZ and their children, Christian and Katie, along with grandsons, Lee of Mesa, AZ and Jason (Sheila) of Florence, AZ, great grandchildren, Tanner, Brecken, Bristol, Colton and Briella, sisters, Martha Bell of Portageville, MO, Saundra Goodheart of Cape Girardeau, MO, Charlene (Rodney) Nelson of Palm Coast, FL, and Cindy McGrath of Bartlett, TN. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Patsy and his brother Joe.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valleyofthesunfuneralhome.com for the Gammons family.