James Edward Gillum

B: May 27, 1934
D: November 10, 2019

Jim Gillum, age 85 of Noble, passed away Sunday, November 10, 2019. James Edward Gillum was born May 27, 1934 in Atlanta, Arkansas, 1 of 9 children born to Terrell and Gertie Mae ((Poole) Gillum. Jim was raised near Eudora and attended school there. He learned the value of hard work at a very young age, and like many in that time, he left school and worked to help his family.

At age 16, Jim took a job with Great Western Oil Co. in the oil fields, and this would lead to lifelong career. By 19, Jim was the Driller on the oilrig. He worked his whole life for the same company, and worked nationwide as a master driller. Jim even drilled two atomic test holes in Nevada.

Jim married young, and to this union, 3 daughters, Jackie, Kathy and Tina were born. He later married Dixie (Fuller) Lee on December 29, 1966, and welcomed her son, Mike and daughters, Cheryl and Diane. Together they raised 5 girls and Mike joined the service.

Even when he wasn’t working, Jim stayed busy doing something. He enjoyed tinkering on lawn mowers and enjoyed telling a good story, although his poker face kept you on your toes. He loved to joke with the grandkids and kept them guessing if he was really serious or not. He was an avid outdoorsman and greatly enjoyed fishing and hunting. Jim loved playing music with Dixie and was an excellent harmonica player.

For nearly 30 years, Jim and Dixie have called Noble home. He was a man of great faith and member of Memorial Assembly of God Church in Purcell. Jim was a good man; a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He will be dearly missed!

He was preceded in death by: Son, Mike Lee; Grandson, Mike Lee; Great grandson, Austin Haley and His parents, Terrell and Gertie Mae Gillum, Brothers, Winford, William, Henry and Benny Sisters, Delia and Dorthy.

Jim is survived by: His wife, Dixie Gillum, of the home; Children, Jackie Martinez and husband Johnny, Kathy Lee and husband Jerry, Tina Gillum and husband Dave Sergent, Cheryl Tracy and husband Jack, and Diane Henry and husband David; 2 brothers, Travis Gillum and Terrell Gillum Jr; 11 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandson, and A host of other family and friends.

Funeral Services are scheduled for 1:00 P.M. Saturday, November 16, 2019, at Wilson-Little Funeral Home Chapel.

Burial will follow at the Noble I.O.O.F. Cemetery. Family will greet relatives and friends from 6-8p.m. Friday evening at Wilson-Little Funeral Home. Send online condolences Wilson Little Funeral Home