Jemes E. Gilliland

September 19, 1920 - February 13, 2008

JAMES E. GILLILAND James E. "Jim" Gilliland, 87, died March 13, 2008 in Longview. He was born in Mineral Wells, Texas September 19, 1920 to Sam and Sophie Gilliland. He graduated from Lufkin High School, then attended Louisiana State University on an athletic scholarship. He won the Southeastern Conference Championship in the High Hurdles and won the Silver Medal at the National AAU. He was commissioned in the U.S. Navy and flew a PBY as a combat pilot in the battle for Attu in the Northern Pacific. He was awarded the Air Medal for Valor in Aerial Combat. His squadron was reassigned to the Atlantic Fleet in 1944 and flew anti-submarine operations until the end of WWII. Jim worked in sales for Texaco for over 30 years in locations all over Texas. He liked everyone he met and had a natural gift for making people like him. He loved his family and was a devoted husband married nearly 65 years to his loving wife Mary Agnes. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and outdoor sports and remained active all of his life. He is survived by his wife Mary Agnes; his son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Shannon Gilliland of Longview; his daughter and son-in-law, Gwen and Mike Tennison of Taos, NM; granddaughters Mary Catherine Gilliland of Houston and Deborah Schmidt and husband, Mike of Allen, Texas; great grandchildren Elaine, Emily, and Douglas Schmidt. Services will be held 2 PM Tuesday at the chapel of Rader Funeral Home, 1617 Judson Rd. Interment will follow at Rosewood Park. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 pm Monday at Rader Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 1125 Judson Rd., Suite 150 Longview, TX 75601.