James Everett Gilbert Jr., 1934 – 2020

James Everett Gilbert Jr. passed away on Aug. 3, 2020, at the age of 86.

James was born in Utica, Mississippi, June 10, 1934, the son of James Owen Gilbert and Nancy Price Gilbert. He attended Utica High School where he played on the All Star basketball team. After graduation he joined the Air Force and spent two years in Japan. Following his four-year term he attended Hinds Jr. College Electronics Technician program. He then went to work for R. G. LeTourneau and later transferred to Waterways Experiment Station to work as a plumber. He retired after several years due to an injury. He then owned a used car lot in Utica and did some land developing. He got into the construction business and worked for Leadco Construction Company. He later went to work with his brother at Payless Home Improvement, later known as U-Save Home Improvement, remodeling homes for the paralyzed for the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation. He retired from there after 18 years, completing his last job in August 2019, at the age of 85.  He was a member of Carpenter United Methodist Church and the Masonic Lodge in Raymond, Mississippi.

James was a good Christian all his life. He never said a bad word about anyone and was loved by everyone he met.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his son, James Gregory Gilbert.

He is survived by his wife, Vicky Gilbert; daughters Melanie Hope Herring and Melinda Taggart (Steve); brothers Ray Gilbert (Carylon) and William “Bill” Gilbert (Clara); eight grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at noon Friday, Aug. 7, 2020, at Carpenter United Methodist Church with Pastor Doug Hooks officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the hour of the service. Burial will follow in Carpenter Cemetery.