James Alvin Gilbert

James Alvin Gilbert longtime Terlton resident passed away on Sunday, September 20, 2015, at the age of 89 years.

Jim was born May 14, 1926, in Coweta, Oklahoma. He was the son of James Alvin, Sr. and Ivy B. (Dennison) Gilbert. Jim was raised in the Porter and Coweta area attending a one room school. He later joined the United States Army on August 16, 1944. He was a part of Troop B 7th Cavalry. During his time in the military Jim served in the Southern Phillipines as well as the occupation of the Japan. Jim was awarded the following decorations and citations: Army of Occupation Ribbon with two Over Seas Service Bars, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star Victory Ribbon.

Following his honorable discharge from the military, Jim was united in marriage to Helen Marie Carmack on December 20, 1946, in Coweta. The couple made their initial home in Porter. They also resided in Muskogee and Inola before moving to Sand Springs in the 1950’s. At that time Jim began working at the local cotton mill. He also worked at National Tank as well as CE Natco until he was forced to quit due to the hazards of the job. In 1962, Jim and Helen moved to Terlton where he has continued to reside. Jim later gained employment with Crane Carrier Corp where he worked for over 17 years until he retired in 1988.

Jim enjoyed being outdoors. He loved raising cattle and always seemed to make pets out of them. Jim always planted a large garden and shared it with everyone.

Survivors are his children Veronica Kaye and Dan Hickson of Terlton, Oklahoma, Chris Allen Gilbert of Terlton, Oklahoma, Shirlee Ann Mills of Terlton, Oklahoma, five grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren and numerous other relatives and friends. In addtion to his parents Jim was preceded in death by his wife Helen, five brothers Robert, Donald Gilbert, Jess Gilbert, Earnest Gilbert, infant brother Melvin, one sister Wilma David, grandson Michael Ready and two great grandchildren Wyatt and Madison Ready.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm Monday, September 28, 2015, at the Chapman-Black Funeral Home with Bill Hickson officiating. Burial will follow in the Terlton Cemetery in Terlton, Oklahoma under the direction Chapman-Black Funeral Home.