James R. "Jim" Gill

Jul. 22, 1941 - Aug. 14, 2016

Date of Service: Aug. 20, 2016

James R. “Jim” Gill

BURLEY – James R. “Jim” Gill, 75, of Burley, passed away Sunday, August 14, 2016, at Highland Estates Assisted Living Facility in Burley.

Jim was born July 22, 1941, in Boise, Idaho, to Glenn Wilson and Edna Irene Burns Gill. After completing his schooling, he married Annie Lou Graves on April 24, 1960, at the Community Church in Fairfield, Idaho. They enjoyed 56 years of marriage together.

A lifelong cowboy blessed with skilled hands, Jim made a career as a saddle maker/repairman, and boot repairman. He made many fine saddles throughout his life and attended many cowboy-gear trade shows where he showed and traded his saddles and leather gear.

He was involved for many years with the 6th District High School Rodeo, and he also was awarded Great Basin Buckaroo Hall-of-Fame Showman. He served in civic roles in Blaine County and also served on the Paul Chamber of Commerce. He lived many places in the great state of Idaho, including Fairfield, Gooding, Glenns Ferry, Grand View, Norland, Rupert, Declo, Bellevue, and Burley. He also spent time in Southeast Oregon.

Jim enjoyed fishing and tying flies, and he also liked to read Western novels. Above all, he loved his family and friends and enjoyed spending time with them.

He is survived by his wife, Annie; children, Connie Straubhaar (Glen) of Burley, Cindi Nash (David) of Spring Creek, Nevada, and JD Gill (Yvonne) of Kimberly; his brother, Bob Gill of Gooding; three sisters-in-law, Pat Chigbrow (Jack) of Burley, Jeanne Koonce of Sand Hollow, and Sharon Moon of Nampa; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law, Georgia Gill; two brothers-in-law, Gaylen Koonce and Jerry Moon; and grandson, Joshua James Allen Nash.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 20, at the Burley First Baptist Church, 2262 Hiland Ave., with Reverend John Ziulkowski officiating.

The family expresses their sincere appreciation to Horizon Home Health and Hospice - especially Melissa, Pam, Kelly, Jean, and Chaplain John Ziulkowski, and, to the staff of Highland Estates for the compassionate care given to Jim.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Rasmussen Funeral Home of Burley.