Mr. James R Gathright

James Ray Gathright, also known as Jim or Jamie, 90 years old, passed peacefully to his heavenly home on Sunday morning, January 14, 2024. He was born on March 28, 1933 in Amarillo, TX to Ollie and Sallie Gathright. He was a quiet man, but he had a faith in our Lord Jesus Christ that was built on a firm foundation. Because of his love for the Lord, he loved serving in the church as a deacon, usher, Sunday school teacher, and home group leader. He and his wife, Darlene, loved to support missionaries and others in need. Over the years they also opened their home to many who needed a place to stay.

James was a family man who loved his family well. He always enjoyed family reunions, and keeping the family ties strong. He was a son, brother, faithful husband, loving father, the “Best Gramps,”and good friend. James loved his time with his grandchildren, and interacted with them from the moment he met them. He would be the “tickle machine” and “the human horse”. He took his grandchildren to the airport to welcome the soldiers back home, he let them help with some of his projects around the house, he went to their birthday parties and school activities, but most of all, he loved and cherished them. In his latter years, his great grandchildren would be the source of a lot of joy, as well.

James was predeceased by his parents, Ollie and Sallie Gathright of Morton, TX, his younger siblings, sister Helen Gathright Keller of Plainview, TX, his brothers, Lyndon Gathright of Abilene, TX, and Murvin Gathright of Carrollton, TX.

James is survived by his beautiful bride of 63 years, Darlene Ballard Gathright, his daughter, Rebecca (Becky) and her husband, Jeff Nichols, of Hurst, TX, and son, Rocky Gathright, and his wife, Margaret Gathright, of Grand Prairie, TX, sisters-in-law, Barbara Gathright of Abilene, TX, Sandy Gathright of Corsicana,TX, and Janette Rothrock of Burleson, TX , grandchildren-Zachary Nichols and wife Julie of Abingdon, Virginia, Matthew Nichols of Euless, TX, Lanae Johnson and husband Jameson Johnson of Grandview, TX, Hannah Morris and husband John Morris of Ft. Worth, TX, Nathan Gathright and Lindsy Rice of Chicago, Justin Gathright of Grand Prairie, TX, Ria Gathright of Lewisville, TX, and Stephen Gathright of Grand Prairie, TX, Joshua Poupard of Austin, TX, Amanda Sutton of Haltom City, great- grandchildren-Ethan Nichols, Amie Nichols, Ava Morris, Liam Morris, and Saoirse Johnson. In addition, James is survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

January 30, 2024

Viewing 6-8p.m.

Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

5725 Colleyville Boulevard, Colleyville, TX 76034

January 31, 2024:

Graveside Service: 9:45a.m.-10:30a.m.

Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home and Memorial Park

5725 Colleyville Boulevard, Colleyville, TX 76034

January 31, 2024

CELEBRATION OF LIFE Service - 12:00 noon

Gateway Church Grand Prairie Campus

2404 N Carrier Parkway, Grand Prairie, TX 75050

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating to one of the following missionaries:

Helen Miehle – Wycliffe Bible Translator-Indonesia

https://www.wycliffe.org/partner/Miehle

Tony and Carrie Taylor-Guatemala

https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=806b4c

Ed and Beth Brye- Wycliffe Program Director

https://www.wycliffe.org/partner/852638