James Kelly Killian, Sr., of Gun Barrel City, Texas, passed away November 30th at the age of 88. After a short illness, as a result of the Covid19 virus, James passed peacefully at home with his beloved wife, Helen, and their children and grandchildren by his side.
James was born November 14, 1932 in Broken Bow, Oklahoma and was married to Helen Cummings Killian for 71 years. He spent his early years farming but after his fourth child came along, he began a career working for General Motors Assembly plant in Arlington, Texas. He retired from GM in 1985 and moved to the Cedar Creek Lake area. Upon retirement, James and Helen began volunteer work at the Care and Share Food pantry in Gun Barrel City and worked there for 30 years, up until the final weeks of his life. Helping feed families in dire need became James’ passion in life. James was also a member of Cedar Creek Masonic Lodge #1431 in Gun Barrel City for 33 years and a member of the First Baptist Church of Gun Barrel City for 31 years.
Anyone who knew James knew that he was the most loving and caring father, husband and friend anyone could ask for. He is survived by his wife, Helen Killian, daughter Faye and her husband Richard, daughter Linda, sons, James, Jr. and Douglas, four grandchildren, Summar, Jessica, Maranda and Duffy, two great grandchildren, Justin and James, and three great, great grandchildren, a sister, Faye Bivings, and many nieces and nephews, cousins and other extended family who will miss this kindhearted, generous, good humored man every day for the rest of their lives. James was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.
The family would like to send out special thanks and much love to The Hospice of East Texas who took such good care of our beloved and to his granddaughters Jessica Killian Charvet and Summar Tijerina who were with him tirelessly and lovingly around the clock to provide for all his needs to the end. We are more grateful than mere words can say.
A memorial service for James’ life will be held at the Eubank Cedar Creek Funeral Home in Mabank, TX on Saturday, December 19, at 11 AM. Due to the pandemic, the service will be limited to family only. However, the memorial service will be live streamed on the funeral home’s Facebook website link:
https://m.facebook.com/pages/category/Funeral-Service---Cemetery/Eubank-Cedar-Creek-Funeral-Home-and-Memorial-Park-113749918708749/
