Mr. James "Jim" Fairl Gilland

February 21, 1939 - April 5, 2018

James Fairl Gilland passed from this life on April 5, 2018, peacefully surrounded by his loving family at Baptist East in Memphis, Tennessee. He was born February 21, 1939 in Peach Orchard, Arkansas, to Fairl and Maxine (Cottle) Gilland. Sixty years ago Jim saw this beautiful young lady covered in mud picking up crawdads on the side of the riverbank. It was love at first site. He married his best friend Linda Jo Cordell Gilland in May of 1959. Next month they would have celebrated 59 years of marriage. His life reflected his faith and his selfless love and devotion for his family. Jim worked at Frit Industries, in Walnut Ridge, for 47 years until his retirement. He loved to tinker in his garage and was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, camping fishing, and being near the water. Most of all, he cherished the time that he spent with his family. He was a tender, dear, sweet man. He was a great husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be sorely missed by all. He is survived by his wife, Linda; 3 children Terry Wayne (Lisa) Gilland of O’Kean, Arkansas, Mark Steven (Angela) Gilland of Paragould, Arkansas, and James Rodney (Violet) Gilland of Peach Orchard, Arkansas; One brother Eugene Cottle (Linda) Gilland of Crawley, Texas; His sidekick Pee-Wee (Princess); 10 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. Jim’s final request has been honored by his family having a private Family Celebration of Life. Expressions of sympathy may be sent directly to the family. Tri-City LLC Crematory Funeral Home is honored and privileged to serve the Gilland Family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.Tri-CityLLC.com.