James Everett Gilbert Jr. passed away on August 3, 2020, at the at of 86.

James was born in Utica on June 10, 1934, the son of James Owen Gilbert and Nancy Price Gilbert.

He attended Utica High School where he played on the All-Star basketball team. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Air Force and spent two years in Japan. Following his four-year term, he attended Hinds Junior College in the electronics technician program. He then went to work for R.G. LeTourneau and later transferred to Waterways Experiment Station to work as a plumber. He retired after several years due to an injury.  He then owned a used car lot in Utica and did some land developing.

He got into the construction business and worked for Leadco Construction Company. He later went to work with his brother at Payless Home Improvement; later known as U-Save Home Improvement remodeling homes for the paralyzed for the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation. He retired from there after 18 years, completing his last job in August 2019 at the age of 85.

He was a member of Carpenter United Methodist Church and the Masonic Lodge in Raymond.

James was a good Christian all his life. He never said a bad word about anyone and was loved by everyone he met.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his son, James Gregory Gilbert.

He is survived by his wife, Vicky Gilbert; daughters, Melanie Hope Herring and Melinda Taggart (Steve); brothers, Ray Gilbert (Carylon) and William “Bill” Gilbert (Clara); eight grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held Friday, Aug. 7, 2020, at noon at Carpenter United Methodist Church with Pastor Doug Hooks officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the hour of the service. Burial will follow in Carpenter Cemetery.