James "Jim" R. Gillespie
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James Rodney Gillespie, age 67 of Lawrenceville, passed from this life at Carle Foundation Hospital, in Champaign, Illinois, on Monday, September 13, 2021, and entered eternity, where his faith in Christ became sight. Jim was born on October 7, 1953 in Fort Worth, TX to Rev. Rodney W. and Alice C. Gillespie.
Jim, as he was known, returned with his parents to Illinois as a child, where he lived almost all his life, except for a brief time when he lived in Gillette, WY in the 1970s. His blue, 1972 Plymouth Roadrunner, which he then owned, was his pride and joy! Jim graduated from Lawrenceville Township High School in 1972 and went to Indianapolis, IN to Lincoln Technical Institute, where he graduated from training in auto and diesel truck mechanics. After working as an auto mechanic, he decided to study Oil Field Technology at Lincoln Trail College and graduated with an Associate Degree. He worked a few jobs in the oil fields before seeking another career field. He found that at Golden Rule Insurance, that became UHG, as a computer operator, in Lawrenceville, where he worked for more than 30 years, prior to retirement. In more recent years, Jim went back to work as a Custodian at Lawrenceville High School, which he loved and found great pride in doing as a loyal Indian!
Having made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ as a child, Jim's faith blossomed as an adult and continued to grow until his death. He was a member for many years at First Baptist Church in Lawrenceville, where he served as a trustee and deacon. Jim also served as a volunteer at Sign of the Kingdom Ministries, in Lawrenceville, for a few years. More recently, he was an active member of First Baptist Church in Vincennes, IN and continued as an ardent student of Bible prophecy, anticipating the return of Christ for His church.
Jim loved the Lord and His church and was a patriot who loved American freedom and believed strongly in the U.S. Constitution and 1st and 2nd Amendment rights! He was devoted to his family, country, community, and his companion dogs from over the years, most recently Dakota! He and his many stories of interest from his life adventures will be missed by his family, friends, church-family, and many others who knew him.
Jim is survived by his brother, Andy, from DeSoto, IL; his sister, Mary Lynn and brother-in-law, Bob Densmore of Jamestown, OH; one niece, Mary E. Densmore of Jamestown, OH; one nephew; one great-nephew; one great-niece; and Cousins.
Services were held at Cunningham-Young Funeral Home in Lawrenceville. Visitation was held at the funeral home on Friday, September 17, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Funeral services took place at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 18, 2021 at the funeral home as well. Burial followed at 2:00 p.m. at the Ewing Cemetery in Ewing, IL. Memorial contributions can be made to the First Baptist Church of Vincennes or the Sign of the Kingdom-East. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.cunninghamfuneralhomes.com.