James Gilstrap

James E Gilstrap, 92, passed away on November 17, 2020. Jim was born on June 17, 1928 in Rockwall, Texas. He served in the United States Navy from 1945 to 1947 and was a World War II Veteran.

Jim married Betty June Hutson on September 1, 1945 and this year celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary. Jim and Betty had three children; Richard born in 1947, Pam born in 1950, and Kathy born in 1956.

Jim worked with the goal to be the best as his job as possible. He always said, “you are to give a hours work for a hours pay” He was a journeyman painter and paperhanger and received his 50 year Gold Union Card soon after he retired. He served as a foreman and superintendent for Lippelgoes Painting and Decorating from 1953 to 1986 and with Gilstrap Painting and Decorating from 1986 to 1990 His son, Rick, grandsons, David and Scott, and granddaughter, Kim, had the pleasure of working along the side of this very talented man.

Jim loved his family, our mother has been with him since she was 15, she is now 91. He was his children’s provider, protector, and hero. Don’t you dare mess with his girls. Dad accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal savior in 1962. At 9:30 am on November 17, 2020 he entered into the presence of his Savior, Jesus Christ.

Dad was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest J Gilstrap & Bessie J Passons; sisters, Mina Ruth Zentz and Earnestine Fisher, and son-in-law, William Harold Roberts.

He is survived by his wife, Betty June Hutson; son, Richard L Gilstrap; daughters, Pamela J Roberts and Kathy R Archer; sister, Virginia M Farrington; brother, Jodie F Gilstrap; Grandsons, David B Gilstrap, Travis J Roberts, and Scott V Archer; Granddaughters, Kimberly Willis, Angel Spero, Stacie Mattheyer, and Hollie Perry; twenty-five great grandchildren; eleven great-great-grandchildren; plus many other beloved family members.

Due to COVID services are private. The visitation on Friday, November 20 from 9-10:30am will be live streamed with the link below.