James Gilliland Obituary

James Gaylord "Gil" Gilliland, 83 of Montague, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2025, in Nocona, Texas.

A visitation will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport, Texas. The funeral service celebrating James’s life will take place on Saturday, July 19, at 2:00 PM at Freedom Life Church in Bowie, Texas and he will be laid to rest at Paradise Cemetery following the service at the church.

James was born on January 11, 1942, in Paradise, Texas to Paul and Helen (Thomas) Gilliland. James lived a life filled with love, laughter, and countless memories that will be treasured by all who knew him. He graduated from Paradise High School in 1960 and proudly served our county in the United States Air Force, embodying the values of dedication and service which he carried with him throughout his life. He held an illustrious career in IT telephone infrastructure with GTE. On June 21, 1976, James married the love of his life, Cathy Anita Vannoy. Together, they built a beautiful family, and their bond stood the test of time until Cathy's passing on December 4, 2021. Their love was an inspiration to many, spending 45 years together, and though he grieved deeply for her, the memories of their life together remained a source of comfort for him. James was a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend to many.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are his six children; Kathy Ryan and her husband Danny, Sheri Kujan and husband Randy, Matthew Gilliland and wife Sarah, Wes Gilliland and wife Rebecca, Chris Gilliland and wife Maria, Christi Adair and wife Steph, each of whom carries pieces of his spirit and legacy; 14 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren to whom he instilled the values of hard work and kindness, ensuring that his legacy would live on in the generations that followed. He is also survived by his brother, Joe Gilliland, who provided him with family ties that enriched his life. James will be dearly missed by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as they navigate the days ahead without his physical presence, but his spirit will forever remain a guiding light in their hearts. James also leaves behind a host of friends who will forever cherish him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Cathy, his sons Michael & Stephen Gilliland, and his grandsons Scott Taylor and Luke James Gilliland, and 4 sisters.

As we gather to honor this remarkable man, let us remember the love he shared, the lessons he imparted, and the laughter he brought into our lives.

Hawkins Funeral Home Bridgeport

940-683-2211

www.hawkinsfuneralhome.com