Jimmy Lynn Gilley, age 84, passed away at Tarkio Rehabilitation and Health Care, Tarkio, Missouri, Wednesday, August 2, 2017, after a long battle with a failing heart.
Jim was born March 26, 1933, in Yellville, Arkansas, son of Marvin O. and Rixtie (Moore) Gilley.  He was one of six children.  The family moved to California in the 40’s to work in the war industries.  He graduated from Oakdale High School and enlisted immediately in the United States Air Force.  Jimmy served four years, two of which were in Japan during the Korean War.  Some of his Air Force training was at the college in Maryville, Missouri ,when the Air Force used the remains of the girl’s dorm following the natural gas explosion.  That is how he became acquainted with the area and his wife, Georgia Ann Harmes of Fairfax, Missouri, whom he married after leaving the service.  One son, James Edward Gilley, was born in 1963.  James and Kris now live in Baldwin City, Kansas.
After his discharge, Jim attended the University of Nebraska, obtaining a masters degree in Agriculture Business.  He also contracted a lifelong passion for Nebraska Husker football.  He worked for Farmland Industries in Weeping Water and Nehawka, Nebraska.  Later the family moved to Hastings, Nebraska, where Jim owned a Mobil distributorship.
He was active in several organizations, including, the Temaha Shrine, Lockland Golf Association, and the Chorus of the Plains Barbershop Chorus.  Jim served on the Nebraska Oil Jobbers board and was president from 1981-1982.
When he retired, the family moved to Fort Myers, Florida, but after a year of retirement boating and golfing, he bought an office supply store and continued to run it for another seven years.  In 2003 when returning to the family farm one summer to do some repairs, he decided to move out of the city to enjoy the Missouri countryside.
Jimmy is survived by his wife, Georgia (Harmes) Gilley, of the home, near Fairfax, by his son James E. (Kris) Gilley of Baldwin City, Kansas, and by his sister, Mrs. Billie (Mickey) Benton of Ridgecrest, California.
Memorial graveside services and inurnment were held at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, August 9, 2017, at the English Grove Cemetery, Fairfax.  Eulogy and remarks were made by Gary Wennihan.   Graveside military honors were provided by the Story-Hardin American Legion Post #164, Craig, Missouri.
Memorials may be directed to Fairfax First Responders c/o John Brown, 613 Pine Street, Fairfax, Missouri 64446.
Arrangements were by Schooler Funeral Home, Fairfax and Craig, Missouri.