James Garnot Gillett

James Garnot Gillett, age 87, a resident of Kingsville, Texas passed away Monday, January 9, 2012 in Corpus Christi, Texas. He was born November 18, 1924 in Cadiz, Bee County, Texas to Roswell Garnot Gillett and Lois Coker Gillett. Mr. Gillett was an educator with the Kingsville Independent School District for 38 years and served as principal of John S. Gillett Junior High School for 22 years. He was an avid sportsman who enjoyed golf, hunting and fishing. Mr. Gillett was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Julia Collins Gillett; parents; three sisters, Fannie Lois Holland, Sue Catherine Treptow and Blanche Gillett Hampton; aunt and uncle, Vola and Jim Gillett; and niece, Betty Hampton Parker.

Mr. Gillett is survived by one daughter, Julie Gillett Diersing (Robert) of Corpus Christi; one son, James Garnot Gillett Jr. (Rebecca Brown) of Kingsville; three granddaughters, Julia and Emily Diersing of Corpus Christi and Hannah Gillett of Kingsville; four nephews, Jerry Hampton (Judy) of Corpus Christi, E. James Holland (Lavona) of San Angelo, Texas, Robert G. Holland of Beeville, Texas and William Grant Collins of Weatherford, Texas; three nieces, Anadele Collins Roulain of Kerrville, Texas, Jessica Wall McCune of Ocala, Florida and Edie Muehlberger of Austin, Texas; and his beloved friend, Doris Brock of Phoenix, Arizona.

Visitation will take place on Friday, January 13, 2012 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Turcotte-Piper Mortuary with the family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 14, 2012 at the Turcotte-Piper Mortuary Chapel with Brother Mike Barrett officiating. Military honors provided by the Veterans of Kleberg County Military Funeral Detail will follow immediately outside of the mortuary after the chapel service. Graveside service will take place at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, January 14, 2012 at Oakville Cemetery, Oakville, Texas.

Active pallbearers will be Gilbert Barrera, Ron Hinojosa, Manuel Gonzales, Jim Hampton, Chris Holland and David Holland.

Memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association or to a charity of one's choice.

Services are entrusted to Turcotte-Piper Mortuary, 205 General Cavazos Blvd., Kingsville, Texas.