James Lester Gill

He was born to Noble and Gladys Gill on November 4th, 1944, and raised in the small close-knit town of Dell, Arkansas, population 300. After graduating high school, he attended the University of Arkansas and later Memphis State University, where he earned a bachelor’s in economics. After a year of law school, he was drafted into the Army and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. After his service, he began a short career in banking, before finding his long-term professional career with the “friendly folks” at the Internal Revenue Service.

Jim married the love of his life and best friend, Pat Gill, and they were happily together for 50 years. They shared a love for history, reading John Grisham novels, traveling (usually to historic landmarks), Memphis basketball, and good food. They had their son, Michael, in December of 1977, followed by their daughter Carolyn three years later. Jim and Pat could often be found out and about, enjoying life together in their community.

Jim was also an active member of Germantown United Methodist Church. He faithfully served in a variety of roles over the years, where he found a fulfilling sense of purpose within the church community. He was an active member of the Fellowship Forum Sunday School class, where he formed many meaningful friendships over the course of over 30 years.

He developed a love for sports at an early age, thanks to special trips with his father to watch the St. Louis Cardinals and the Arkansas Razorbacks play. Years later, Jim lovingly carried on that same tradition with his own son, taking him to experience what is aptly named “Baseball Heaven” in St. Louis and football games at Ole Miss, where he developed a deep fondness for the charming town of Oxford.

Jim was a devoted father to his two children, always providing love, support, and encouragement. He was their biggest fan and loved cheering them on during all sporting events and activities, even if it meant countless hours at dance recitals, competitions, and cross-country meets.

His final days were spent surrounded by the love of his family, including his adopted family of the compassionate and devoted caregivers at Opus East Memphis, who brought comfort and dignity during his final chapter.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife Pat, his parents Noble and Gladys Gill, and his brother Hank. He is survived by his son Michael Gill (Christine), his daughter Carolyn Gwatney (Josh), and a library of Frank Sinatra records. He also leaves behind five amazing grandchildren, Addie and Sadie Gill, and Charlotte, Ella and Andrew Gwatney.

Jim’s visitation will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, March 12th at Germantown United Methodist Church, followed by his funeral service at 11:00 am. Friends and family are invited to enjoy refreshments after. In lieu of gifts, please consider a donation in his name to the Alzheimer's Association.

The family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers and staff at Opus East Memphis for providing excellent care over the past two years while Jim was a resident, as well as to Crossroads Hospice for the care they provided over his final three weeks. Their compassion and love were a true blessing to Jim and to his family.