James L. Gish, Sr., age 96, died peacefully on August 17, 2017 at home in Shawnee, Kansas, after a brief illness. Jim was born February 8, 1921, in Paducah, Kentucky and was the son of Arthur and Ruby Gish, both deceased. Jim graduated from Paducah Tilghman High School in 1940. After graduation Jim enlisted in the United States Army where he served as a flight engineer achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant and receiving an honorable discharge in November of 1945. During World War II, Jim served overseas as part of the 1345th Base Unit Air Transport Command in the China-Burma-India theatre "Flying the Hump" transporting troops and supplies over the Himalaya Mountains. After the war Jim moved to Mansfield, Ohio where he went to work at Lumbermen's Mutual Insurance Company from where he retired after 41 years. While at Lumbermen's, Jim met the love of his life, Mary Smoot. They married in 1953 and started their family in Mansfield. Jim thoroughly enjoyed sports of any kind, was an avid golfer, and loved spending time with his family. He was a huge Ohio State fan. He was always a spectator at sports games and events which involved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jim is survived by daughters, Linda Stevens, Judy Redmond (Ken), and son James L. Gish, Jr. (Susie), seven grandchildren; Lindsay, Tyler, Brandon, Rachel, Hanna, Dale, and Brent, 6 great grandchildren; Chase, Travis, Julian, Ava, Easton, and Sutton, nieces and nephews as well as a few additional relatives. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Mary Smoot; 3 brothers, Elton Gish, Shelton Gish, and Herschel Gish; 1 sister, Wanetta Wright, and 1 son-law-in, Robert Stevens.

Services

There will be a private graveside service for immediate family members at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio where he will join his loving wife to be together for eternity.

Contributions

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent in his name to:

Interim Healthcare Hospice

10977 Granada Lane

Overland Park, KS 66211.