James Harold "Jimmy" Gillespie, 78, of Danville, Arkansas, died August 4, 2023.

Jimmy was born February 1, 1945 in Visalia, California to the late Robert "Rab" & Edith Marie Ringer Gillespie. He was a faithful member of the Danville First Landmark Missionary Baptist Church, where his late parents were charter members. He was a National Guard Veteran. He worked for Union Pacific Railroad, previously Missouri Pacific Railroad for 32 years, many as a locomotive engineer, before retiring to his farm on Highway 80.

He survived a tornado in the mid-1970's that destroyed his parents' home, by getting in their car and driving away – the mattress he had been sleeping on just before was found on Danville Mountain. He enjoyed visiting with his grand- and great-grandkids and watching old Westerns.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Robert "Bob" Gillespie and Henry Gillespie; infant sister, Anna Lou Gillespie; sister-in-law, Betty Gillespie.

Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Barbara; children, Cheryl Davidson of Little Rock;  Jeff and Amanda Gillespie of  Danville; Dixie and Scott Smith of Alma; Jill Gillespie of Alma; grandkids and great-grandkids, Scott & Meaghan Gillespie and sons, Jackson and Noah; Monica & Eowyn Davidson and children, Saoirse and Shannon; Justin Gillespie, Caroline Gillespie, Reese Davidson, and Hong Davidson; aunt, Geneva Pledger; sisters-in-law, Roberta (David) Weiner; and Lynda Gillespie and many beloved nieces, nephew, and cousins.

Funeral service will be 10:00 am Tuesday, August 8th 2023 at the Danville First Landmark Missionary Baptist Church with Bro. Kenny Vosburg officiating. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 pm Manday, August 7th at Danville Cornwell Funeral Home. Burial will be at Earl Ladd Cemetery.

Pallbearers include Dennis Horn, Steven Beachy, Brad Turner, Terry Callahan, Jeff Westcott, and James Mitchell.

Honorary pallbearers include Michael Morrison and the Dutch Creek Volunteer Fire Department.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Dutch Creek Volunteer Department, 10179 Cheyenne Rd Danville, AR. 72833 or First Landmark Missionary Baptist Church P.O. Box 1645 Danville, AR. 72833.

Arrangements by Danville Cornwell Funeral Home.