James Gillenwaters

Jim Gillenwaters, 88, of Lake Jackson passed from this life on March 1, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Chickasha, Oklahoma on April 3, 1928 to James R. & Neva Gillenwaters.

Jim was a Christian man of integrity and honor, always seeking to help those around him and contribute to his community and fellow man. He had an amazing ability to influence by being a great listener first, then offering his advice and thoughtful guidance. Above all, Jim inspired those around him by example in the way he led a respectable and honorable life. As the patriarch of the Gillenwaters family, Jim leaves a legacy of a selfless, noble, and principled living which will live on through his family and the numerous great friends and acquaintances with whom he and Mildred developed strong lasting relationships. His smile, his warmth, his understanding, and capacity for empathy will always be fondly remembered by those who were lucky enough to know him.

Jim was an active member of Columbia United Methodist Church of West Columbia. He also served his community by volunteering for 8 years with the Central Emergency Medical Services team. He spent over 60 years involved in Masonic Lodge activities. He was a member of St. John's Lodge #5, Brazoria County El Mina Shrine, York Rite Bodies, and the Scottish Rite 33rd Degree IGH.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Mildred Gillenwaters; his sons, James Gillenwaters & wife, Karen, Jeff Gillenwaters & wife, Debbie; daughter, Janet Steffler & husband, Dwight; grandchildren, Jessica Patel & husband, Zubin, Mark Gillenwaters, Megan Johnson, Amber Woodall, Stephanie Darrohn & husband, Chris, Lisa Grivette & husband, Dennis; great grandchildren, Miranda Patel, Madisyn Valdez, Mikayla Dodds, Hayden & Koda Gillenwaters, Kinsley Lavery, Reese Riley, Hope & Trey Grivette; nephew, Harold Gillenwaters & wife, Donna.
Memorial services will be held at Columbia United Methodist Church in West Columbia on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at 10:00 am with Dr. Mike Deaton officiating.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made in Jim's name to Central Emergency Medical Services 400 N. 13th Street West Columbia, Texas 77486 or Columbia United Methodist Church 315 16th Street West Columbia, Texas 77486.

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