He was born on September 28, 1931, in St. Louis, Missouri.
Jim was the eldest of four sons born to Leo Omar and Beatrice P. Gatewood (née Dannenmueller).
Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force in August 1951 and retired from active duty in February 1973. While serving on his first overseas assignment at Erding Air Depot, he met Paula Hoesl, the love of his life. The couple was married on October 28, 1954, in Moosburg, Germany.
Following his retirement from active duty, Jim continued his service as an employee of the Directorate of Morale, Welfare and Recreation of the Air Force Military Personnel Center, Randolph Air Force Base. At the time of his retirement in March 1993, he served as Chief of the Human Resources Division, where he was responsible for the personnel system and employee benefits program for Air Force Non-Appropriated Fund employees.
For many years, Jim faithfully served as an usher at Our Lady of Loretto Parish at Randolph AFB.
He was also a member of American Legion Post 667 in Universal City, Texas.
Jim is survived by his wife of 72 years, Paula Gatewood; his daughters, Angela Hunt (Larry) of Huntsville, Alabama, and Susan Skinner (Chip) of New Braunfels, Texas.
He is further survived by his grandchildren, Chrissy Vaughan (Justin), Jackie Giffing (Tyler), Dani Chesher (Zach), Kyle Skinner (Deborah), and Corey Skinner (Danie).
He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Charlie Vaughan, Andra Vaughan, Mikylie Skinner, Kayleigh Skinner, Cameron Skinner, Houston Giffing, Tanner Giffing, Bella Giffing, Dallas Chesher, Dakota Chesher, Delaney Chesher, Demi Chesher, Cooper Chesher, Bentley Skinner and Conely Skinner. A great grandchild and a great great-grandchild are also on the way.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and by his brothers, Lloyd Gatewood, Jerry Gatewood, and Ron Gatewood.
The family wishes to express its sincere gratitude to Visiting Angels and All Seasons Hospice for the compassionate care provided to Jim during his final days.
Rosary will be recited on Thursday, August 13, 2026; 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. followed by a Visitation & Time of Remembrance; 6:30 p.m to 8:00 p.m., at Colonial Funeral Home; 625 Kitty Hawk, Universal City, TX 78148.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help; 16075 N Evans Rd, Selma, TX 78154. A funeral procession will immediately follow to Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery; 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209, where a Committal Service will be held at 1:15 p.m.
Following the Committal Service, the family warmly invites relatives and friends to a reception from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Colonial Funeral Home to gather in fellowship and celebrate a life well lived.
