James Palmer Gillespie

James Palmer Gillespie, age 88 of Birmingham passed away Friday, January 19, 2024. He was preceded in death by his wife, Janice Putman Gillespie, parents Clifford and Ewell Palmer Gillespie, and brother, Robert.

He is survived by daughters, Julie Saint and Jodi Tetzlaff of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Jeanie Green (Russell, Sr.) of Oneonta; and Joy Gillespie (Jonathan Frechette) of Winston, Georgia. He also leaves behind grandsons Russell Green, Jr. (Jessica), Christopher Green, and Michael Green (Christina); great-granddaughters Piper Ann and Avery Grace; great-grandson Owen Grady; and sister-in-law Marilyn Gillespie.

James graduated from Woodlawn High School and served for nine years in the United States Air Force Air National Guard, including overseas service during the Berlin Crisis.

James could sell anything to anybody, and did, throughout his decades-long career as a salesman in the Birmingham area for companies like American Chicle Company, Keebler, and Jazz Dog Food, among others. He spent most of his career in the dairy industry, working for Foremost, Farm Best, and Consolidated Dairies. He retired from Barber’s Dairy in 1996.

James was known for his good humor and gregarious nature; his grandsons often joked that “he never met a stranger.” He held memberships in the City Salesman Club, the Lions Club, and the Elks Lodge. He was very active in his church, serving as head usher and on numerous committees at Woodlawn United Methodist Church and later as a member of Cahaba Springs Presbyterian Church. He was an avid supporter of University of Alabama football and volunteered as an usher at many games in Legion Field.

After his retirement, James enjoyed spending time with friends and family and traveling the country with his wife. He spent his final years under the excellent care of the staff of Proveer at Grayson Valley (formerly Elmcroft). During his final weeks, he received exceptional hospice care from the staff at Oasis Healthcare. The family extends their sincere gratitude to the teams of these two organizations.

A private ceremony for immediate family was held Friday, January 26, 2024.