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James E. Gill Sr., founder and operator of Harpersville Garage, Harpersville Ambulance Service, Harpersville Wrecker Service and long-time Minister of Music, died peacefully in his childhood home at age 89 on July 4, 2024.

Jimmy Gill is Survived by his children: Kitty Perkins (Dan), Bim Gill (Janet), Terri Barnett (Allen), David Gill (Joann), Tammy Shaw (Kerry), his wife Joyce Marie Gill and her daughter Christy Alexander (Tim), Twenty-six Grandchildren, Forty-five Great Grandchildren, his sister Joyce Robertson, multiple nieces and nephews and many other friends and family.

He is preceded in death by his late-wife, Treasure Gill, his parents Cecil and Maggie Mae Gill, his brothers Theron Manuel Gill, Cecil Brown Gill Jr, and John David Gill, his sister Maxine Bearden (Quincy), his brother-in-law Embry Robertson, and his grandsons Joshua Barnett and Brett Alexander.

Jimmy was a beacon of love, faith, and service throughout his life. He dedicated his life to serving others, both in his community and through his church. He was a faithful member of his church, where he found joy in worshiping and sharing his love for Jesus. His commitment to his faith was evident in all aspects of his life, as he consistently exemplified the teachings of Christ through his actions.

He was a gifted and talented tradesman who was able to work on cars, airplanes, broken sinks, wounded people, and more. He saw the need for his community to have a place for their cars to be repaired with integrity so he started the business. He would often work on cars and do the work on credit just to get families back on the road so they could eat. He started the ambulance business when he saw the need. He was responsive to the emergencies in the community and provided quality care. Later in his life, he did odd jobs for small businesses because he had the ability and time to do so. He loved to contribute and it didn’t matter to him if it was big or small, noticed or not. His efforts touched many lives, and he will be remembered for his generosity, compassion, and unwavering spirit.

Jimmy was devoted to his friends and family. He was proud of all of his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. Nothing brought him greater joy than being in the presence of his family. His smile when looking in your eyes reflected the abundant joy and pride and love he felt. We will always remember the love he was always able to convey with or without words and his hugs that engulfed. His smile, his eyes, his laughter exuded love.

He enjoyed camping in Cades Cove, which he often shared with his family and friends. He loved the outdoors and the beauty of being in nature. His enthusiasm for life and ability to find joy in simple pleasures were inspiring to all who knew him.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and service that will continue to inspire and guide his family and community. Jimmy’’s memory will forever be cherished in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him. He will be missed by so many in our temporary home, but we have peace knowing that we will see him in eternity!

He was laid to rest at Harpersville Cemetery on July 13, 2024.