Jim was born June 21, 1948, in Bethany, Missouri, the first child and only son of James Eldon and Anna May (McCollum) Gillespie. He died July 24, 2024.
Jim graduated from King City High School in 1966 and attended CMSU. After serving four years in the US Navy, he graduated from Missouri Western State College with a business degree. Over the following years, he worked for King City Feed and Grain Elevator, the King City school district, C. Pettijohn Ford Mercury, J.J. Wayman Lawn, Todd’s Tire Service, Archer Lawn Service, and Fairview Golf Course.
Jim was both an avid golfer and bowler, achieving induction into The St Joseph Bowling Hall of Fame in 1994. He was a voracious reader and a big fan of the Kansas City Chiefs & the St. Louis Cardinals—and the KC Royals when not playing the Cards. He could watch a game on TV at the same time he read a book and know what happened in both. Jim also enjoyed a game of poker with good friends and looked forward to card games and triple Yahtzee with family.
He is survived by his significant other, Tammy Power; sisters, Karen Gillespie of Marietta, GA, Kathy Darnell of King City, Terri Gillespie of Independence, and Judy (Dennis) Chambers of Savannah; nephews, Jordan (Alacey Monconduit) Chambers and Brett (Katy Herman) Chambers and niece, Shelby Dudley; grand-nephew, AJ Herman and grand-nieces, Bristol and Saylor Dudley; and numerous cousins and a multitude of great friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, former wife, Sharon Gillespie, nephew, Austin Chambers, and brother-in-law, John Tompkins.
He was of the Methodist faith. Per his request, there will be no services.