of Harrison, AR
July 21, 1929 - October 8, 2013
James Herman Gaskill, age 84, of Harrison, passed away Tuesday, October 8, 2013, at North Arkansas Regional Medical Center in Harrison. He was born July 21, 1929, in Huntsville, Arkansas, the son of John Walter and Hester May (Guthrie) Gaskill. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Vera Lu (Melton) Gaskill, whom he had married in 1960.
Jim was a graduate of Huntsville High School and attended the University of Tulsa. He graduated from Harding University with a Bachelors of Science degree in Economics. Jim was a World War II Navy veteran where he was a meteorologist. He worked for the Social Security Administration, opening the first Social Security office in Harrison, from 1973 until his retirement. He married Martha Sybil Sewell on June 5, 1987.
Jim lived his life in service to the Lord. He was a member of the Church of Christ where he preached countless sermons and performed numerous weddings and funerals throughout his lifetime. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
Jim was a friend to all and loved children. He was known by the children at various churches as ''the gum man'' and ''the candy man'' and was always willing to give them a high five!
Jim never missed a chance to share a joke or funny story. He was blessed with a sharp mind and keen memory and he used those abilities to absorb and recite scripture. As a family, we are convinced he had the entire Bible committed to memory.
Jim always took time to guide and help others without consideration of his own needs. His selflessness brought joy and comfort to every life he touched and many of his good deeds went unnoticed by those of us here on earth, but were known only by the Lord and are now sparkling jewels in his crown.
Jim is survived by his wife, Martha Sybil (Kimbell) Gaskill, of the home; his son and daughter-in-law, Hugh Melton and Michelle Gaskill, of Sacramento, California; and his daughters and sons-in-law, Susan Katherine (Gaskill) Farmer, James Farmer, Trudie and Doug Young and Teresa and Allen Barrett, all of Harrison.
Jim is also survived by his sisters and brothers, Doris Williams, Mary Neal, Ann Anderson, Ed Gaskill, John Gaskill and Bob Gaskill; nine grandchildren, Andrea (Farmer) Burris, Alexis Farmer, Taesha Winford, Tia Young, Dalton Young, Stephen Barrett, Sheila James, Jonathan Sewell and Jacob Sewell; five great-grandchildren; a host of other family; and many dear friends.
Visitation was Thursday, October 10, 2013, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home.
Funeral service was Friday, October 11, 2013, at Northside Church of Christ, with Steve Powers and Beau Bennett officiating.
Pallbearers were Dalton Young, Chalin Winford, Allen Barrett, James Farmer, Doug Young and David Burris.
Interment was in Maplewood Cemetery.
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11 Condolence(s)
Veronica
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Please accept my heartfelt condolence for your loss. Having recently lost my father, I can truly relate to the deep pain that comes from losing someone you love, someone who had such a positive impact on the lives of many. May the powerful texts from God's Word, the Bible, bring you comfort. John 5:28, 29 says: “- all those in the memorial tombs will hear his (Jesus') voice and come out.” Revelation 21:3, 4: “- death will be no more, neither will mourning (great sadness) nor outcry nor pain be anymore.” Knowing that our loving God desires to reunite us with our loved ones can bring us immeasurable peace and comfort. Please be assured of my sincere love and wishes for you and your family.
Paul Woodhouse
Friday, November 1, 2013
Saddened to hear of Jim's passing but happy for him. He prepared for the day of his death for many years in loving service to others. He preached so many years and was such an encouragement to ministers and any who would be disciples of Jesus Christ. Didn't know of Jim's death until this week. I will certainly miss his wit and wisdom.
Natalie Gaskill Davis
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Cousin Jim was a wonderful Christian man. He always had a ready smile and a story to share. He has been part of so many special family moments. He was loved and will be missed.
reanne west
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Aunt Sybil I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Our love is with you and the family .
Wayne and paula Puska
Friday, October 11, 2013
Aunt Sybil and family,
We were so sorry to hear about Jim's death. We never had the privilege of knowing him, but we know he was a very special man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Wayne and Paula Puska
Margaret King Smith
Friday, October 11, 2013
Reading of James' death brought back many fond memories of the good times we shared while we were growing up in Huntsville. He used to say that his mother and I were the only ones who still called him "James". I keep you all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Karen Crawford Simpson
Friday, October 11, 2013
My thoughts and prayers go out to Jim's family. My children were among those that called him "the gum man." They would look for him every Sunday morning. Even when we changed church homes, they would ask if we would see him at gospel meetings. He was a true Christian. I guess that is the best thing you can say about anyone.
David & Donna Dodson
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Jim Gaskill and the life he lived is a picture of the phrase "A Faithful Servant of God" Jim loved to teach others about his saviour, Jesus Christ, and what they needed to do in order to have Christ as their Saviour as well. He lived his life in service to God from his heart. The people who came to his visitation and funeral are testaments to how much he was loved and respected. We do mourn his passing because we love him and will miss him but we are happy for Jim because he spent the majority of his adult years in preparation for his final exam on October 8, 2013. We who knew him believe he passed that exam with flying colors and will be found faithful. We can all learn a lot from his example.
Jane (Criner) & Buck Martin
Thursday, October 10, 2013
We were so saddened to hear of Bro. Gaskill's passing. He was such a wonderful Christian man and always had a smile on his face. He has finally reached the reward that he has preached his whole life about. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Sybil, and all of the family.
Crystal Applegate
Thursday, October 10, 2013
I have so many memories growing up of Jim. He was always so happy and always willing to help anyone. He was well loved by many and it was such an honor to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with the family!
Jacob Hudson
Thursday, October 10, 2013
I can't help but be happy for Jim. He lived his life in anticipation and preparation for October 8, 2013. I'm certain that I'll see brother Jim at the Resurrection.
Jim was one of my most influential mentors in the Faith as I listened to him preach almost every Sunday for 20 years. He preached about love the majority of the time and that impressed upon me that Love is the central message of Scripture.
Jim will be missed but his legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all of us that he influenced while he was with us.