James "J. C." Curtis Gilbert

James "J. C." Curtis Gilbert was born on December 17, 1938, in Memphis, Tennessee to Lillian Crawford and Curtis Mason Gilbert. He passed away on February 20, 2026, at the age of 87, in Tiptonville, Tennessee.

J. C. retired from the Memphis Fire Department and honorably served his country in the U.S. Air Force. He was dedicated to his community, having served as scoutmaster for his boys’ scout troops. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. J. C. was known for his intelligence and mechanical skills, with three patents credited to his name.

J. C.'s contributions and presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Millie Sue Gilbert; son, David Gilbert (Sharon); step-son, Jody Gray (Jena); grandchildren, Brianna Churchill (Cody), Kristen Robinson (Dylan), and Kimberly Gilbert; great-grandchildren, Aubrey Churchill, Forrest Churchill, Rhett Churchill, Ember Churchill, and Huntley Robinson. He is also survived by his step-grandchildren, Joseph Burns, Cody Gray (Rebekah), Haley Burns, Stormey Upchurch (Connor), and Angela Stevens; step-great-grandchildren, McKenzie Burns, Josiah Justice, Layla King, Niko Gray, Sophia Copple, and Ryan Upchurch; and niece, Yvette Maze. He was preceded in death by his son, James Cary Gilbert.

Services will be held on Wednesday, February 25 with visitation at 1:00 PM and funeral service at 2:00 PM, at Memphis Funeral Home, 5599 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee. Graveside service will follow at Memphis Memory Gardens, 6444 Raleigh Lagrange Road, Memphis, Tennessee.