James Gilbert

James David “J.D.” Gilbert, 92, passed away Sunday, April 23, 2017, in Fayetteville, Ark. He was born at Sugar Hill, near present-day Lincoln, Ark., on March 10, 1925.

He worked for Levi Strauss Manufacturing for many years and was a life-long resident of the Fayetteville area. He started studying the Bible at an early age, and was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in a creek near Harrison, Ark., on Oct. 27, 1940. He always talked about his faith and shared truths from the Bible with any who would listen. At the time of his death, he was a member of the North Crossover, Fayetteville, Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He was a faithful servant of God and a caring and loyal friend, and he will be lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his father, Elra D. Gilbert, June 21,1964; his mother, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Morrel Gilbert, June 18, 1990; and his only sister, Margaret Loree Gilbert, Dec. 24, 2012.

He is survived by many dear friends and distant cousins.

A memorial service was held at 6 p.m. Friday, April 28, 2017, at the Fayetteville Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 2837 Old Wire Road, Fayetteville, Ark., with Brother Wayne Fisher officiating. Private interment will be at Sugar Hill Cemetery. husband Michael of Farmington; two brothers, Rick Phillips and wife Wilma of Fayetteville, Ark., Roger Phillips Jr. and wife Tamara of Greenland, Ark.; one sister, Cathy Stone and husband Fred of Rogers, Ark.; seven grandchildren, Brian, Breana, Allie, Amber, Aveann, Christopher, Nevaeh; and one great-grandson, Tristan.

A memorial service was held April 27, at Grace Evangel Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the church, 78 W. Short Street, Fayetteville, AR 72701. Arrangements were with Heritage Funeral Home. Online guestbook at www. heritageofnwa.com.