James Cornell Gilbert. Sr.

James Cornell Gilbert, Sr., 98, of Pulaski, Tennessee, passed away on December 31, 2025. Born on November 22, 1927, in Stella, Tennessee, James lived a life full of unmatched determination and work ethic that guided his life. James attended Bridgeforth High School in Giles County and there soon after joined the United States Army and became a Sergeant working on training officers on artillery and infantry weapons in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Shortly after leaving the military, he moved to Indianapolis, Indiana where he resided for a significant portion of his life. James worked for the United States Postal Service (USPS) for 40 years and 10 months. He also worked as a maintenance man for Markwood Apartments on the southside of Indianapolis for 30 years. James made the move back to Ethridge, Tennessee in 1992 where he was able to get back to his true passion: hunting for game, farming, gardening. Over his years of life, James always had a passion for tending to a garden and farm animals (goats, cows and chickens). He enjoyed working in his garden and growing cabbage, rattlesnake beans and turnip greens. James also enjoyed playing cards and listening to a San Francisco Giants game on the radio. Later on in his life, some of James’ hobbies included collecting model cars, riding on his tractor and Kawasaki Mule, and watching hummingbirds from his back porch in the countryside.The importance of family was always a strong pillar in James’ life. He always made the effort to reach out to his loved ones - whether through a phone call or cards in the mail. He was never afraid to lend a helping hand to others. He was also a member of the Chestnut Grove Community Church in Prospect, Tennessee where he also served as a Deacon. 

James was preceded in death by his parents Marion Gilbert and Ben Gilbert; his brother, Earl Ezel Gilbert; his sisters Marvalene Gilbert, Ada Williams, Katherine Reynolds; and his sons James (Elsandra) Gilbert Jr. and Willard (Jessie Mae) Dean Gilbert.

James is survived by his children: son Larry (Tracey) Gilbert of Virginia and Kathy Gilbert of Indiana; girlfriend: Louise Alexander of Utah; his 10 grandchildren: Sharon Gilbert of Tennessee, Tamara Gilbert of Tennessee, Theresa Gilbert of Tennessee, Wallace Gilbert of Tennessee, Tony Gilbert of Tennessee, Shawntel Carpenter of Texas, Mary (Natasha) Gilbert of Virginia, Shannon Gilbert of Virginia, Naomi Gilbert of California, Mary Gilbert of California and Kayla Saunders of Indiana; as well as several nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.

The legacy he leaves behind will not be remembered just by his family, but by the people whose lives he touched throughout his 98 years of life. May he rest in peace.

Public viewing for James Cornell Gilbert Sr. will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 3:00pm until 6:00pm at Jordan Funeral Home, 327 Mill Street, Pulaski, TN.

Funeral Service will be on Sunday, January 11, 2026 beginning with visitation at 1:00pm and the 2:00pm service immediately following at The

Greater Richland Creek Missionary Baptist Association (Central Building), 1095 Bledsoe Road, Pulaski, TN.

Interment will be in New Gilbert Cemetery off of Hagan Road on Gilbert Cemetery Road in Prospect, TN Bethel Community.

Jordan Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for James Cornell Gilbert Sr.