Obituary of Jim Gilliland

James “Jim” Gilliland was born February 1945, in Naylor, Missouri, to Robert Gilliland and Juanita Richmond.  He peacefully entered into rest on February 24, 2024, at 78 years old.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Juanita & Melvin Main and Robert Gilliland; siblings, Carolyn (Sonny) Schneider and Bobby Gilliland; a brother-in-law, Dwayne Sloate; and his cuz, Ronnie Richmond.

Jim was a builder by trade and a member of the construction union in St. Louis, MO.  He later recruited and taught his family to build his parents’ house and his own log home.  Jim loved the outdoors.  When his girls were teens, they moved into the country where he would teach them how to “rough it”.  It was important to him that his girls be able to take care of themselves, skills that they wouldn’t appreciate until later in life.  He loved fishing, camping, playing guitar and spending time with family, friends, and his animals.  Although he didn’t become a farmer like Melvin, he did enjoy growing herbs later in life.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Redding Gilliland; three children, Dee Helm, Amber (Brian) Kelly, and Niki (Jeff) Dawes; seven grandchildren, Tonya, Ashley, Brian, Jade, Jordan (Lacey), Aedan, and Aisley; and nine great-grandchildren, Laci, Landon, Sebastian, Malakai, Trey, Trystan, Armoni, Elijah, and Kaiden. He is also survived by his siblings; Sharon Sloate, Brenda (Terry) Summers, Davey Gilliland, Genie Gilliland, and Cheryl Gilliland; and his cuz, Tony Dorsett, as well as numerous extended family and friends. 

A memorial service will be held on March 9, 2024, at 1:00 pm at Edwards Funeral Home, 606 Walnut Street, Doniphan, MO 63935.  Jim wished to be cremated and returned to his land, so his family will have a private gathering in the Spring to celebrate his life at his home.