James Gatliff

James I. Gatliff

Midville, GA  –           James I. Gatliff, aged 89, died on 5 November 2020.  Visitation will be Monday, 9 November 2020, at 10:00 AM at Louisville Methodist Church Social Hall followed by a graveside service with military honors at the Louisville City Cemetery at 11:00 AM.

Because of the family’s concern for public health and safety during this COVID-19 pandemic, the family requests that social distancing and other safety precautions be followed.  The wearing of face masks is strongly encouraged.

James was born in Monroe County, Georgia on 16 May 1931 to the late Charles and Thelma Gatliff. After graduating with honors in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech, he served as a United States Marine for twenty-nine years, serving in Vietnam where he was awarded the Bronze Star, Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Action Ribbon and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. Later he was awarded the Join Service Commendation Medal. He retired to Burke County in 1977 and farmed for many years.  He was a lifelong Methodist and member of Midville United Methodist Church.

James was also preceded in death by his daughter, Laurie Landrum; and siblings, Charles Gatliff and Betty Copeland. Survivors include his wife, Helen; children, Jenny Smith (Pierre), Debra Brown (Pat), Peter Landrum, Sr., Jim Gatliff and Ben Gatliff (Godfather Sir John C. Drake-Jennings); fourteen  grandchildren, James Watson (Holly), Aaron Watson (Ashleigh), Jeremy McBride, Josh McBride (Mallory), Jacob McBride (Kelli), Jesse McBride, Jenny Jaworsky (Adam), Jimmy Gatliff, Charlotte Gatliff, Michael Gatliff, Thomas Landrum (Kristin), David Landrum, and Peter Landrum Jr.; seven great grandchildren, Kaylee McBride, Jaxon McBride, Jonathon McGahee, Dustin McBride, Easton McBride, Gill Watson and Savannah Kate Watson; one brother, Bob Gatliff (Carolyn); extended family and church family.  To honor him, his grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Midville United Methodist Church, PO Box 345, Midville GA 30441 or to Louisville United Methodist Church, 307 W 7th St, Louisville GA 30434.