James Albert Gambill departed from this world on November 11, 2024, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. James resided in Paragould, Arkansas for 51 years with the “Love of his life,” of 69 years, Barbara Jean Gambill before her passing.
Born June 22, 1933, in Datto, Arkansas, to Elmer and Clara Gambill, he was the baby of five siblings, three brothers, Winfred, Mid, and Gene Gambill and one sister, Rozzie Gambill.
He moved with his family to St. Louis at the age of 10 years old. When he was only 18 years old, he was hired at McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Co. as a machinist until he moved to Paragould, Arkansas in 1970 to open up G&S Tool & Die. In 1978, he went to work for Emerson Electric Transportation Dept. and retired after 37 years.
James was a very talented man, but would always say he was “Jack of all trades, master of none.” He was happiest gutting out an old house and remodeling them. He played the guitar and sang and was teaching himself to play the banjo. In his younger days, he had his own airplane, motorcycle, horse, and loved cats.
James was a very fun loving guy who loved to tease and play pranks. He was always a family man who treasured his Grandkids who called him Pawpaw.
He loved the Lord with all his heart and tried to serve Him by teaching classes and being a witness to anyone he met. James was a member of New Haven Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara (McBride) Gambill; his parents, Elmer and Clara (Thomas) Gambill; three brothers, Winfred Gambill, Mid Gambill, Gene Gambill; and one sister, Rozzie Gambill.
He is survived by one son, Steve (Christa) Gambill of Searcy; two daughters, Sherry (Ray) Liddell of Jonesboro, Brenda (Rick) Wheeler of Paragould; six grandchildren, Stephanie (David) Eason of Searcy, Brent (Tilly) Gambill of North Carolina, Ricky Wheeler of Paragould, Barbara Ann Wheeler of Paragould, Kyle (Kristy) Liddell of Rochester, New York, Kevin (Danielle) Liddell of Jonesboro; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, November 14, from 12:00 p.m. until service time at Phillips Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Home with Bro. Jerry Jolly and Bro. Ron Pickney officiating. Burial along with a graveside service will follow at Greene County Memorial Gardens with Bro. Ron Pickney officiating.
Brent Gambill, Kevin Liddell, Tristen Wheeler, Kyle Liddell, Ricky Wheeler, and Braden Robinson will serve as pallbearers.