Person Record
Images
Metadata
Name |
Gillespie, Jim |
Othernames |
Jimmy Lee Gillespie, Jimmie "Jim" Gillespie |
Born |
09/23/1936 |
Birthplace |
Rosston, Oklahoma |
Father |
Virgil Gillespie |
Mother |
Florence Gillespie |
Education |
Follett High School 1955 Texas Tech University |
Notes |
Jim Gillespie was born to Virgil and Florence Gillespie on September 23, 1936, in Rosston, Oklahoma. He was the oldest of five children- Beverly, Sylvian, Karen, and Jordy Ray. Jim grew up in Follett, Texas, where he spent summers helping his father with his custom cutting business. He graduated from Follett High in 1955 and attended Texas Tech University until joining the US Army in June of 1959. After a first date of picking apples in an orchard, he married his sweetheart, Nelia (Trudy) Rae Wilson, on May 19, 1962. The following January, Jim attended the DPS Academy where he graduated as an officer in May. Jim retired at the rank of Sergeant from the Texas Rangers in 1998, after serving for 24 years as a Ranger and 11 as a DPS officer. In October, 1963, Jim and Trudy welcomed their son, Shannon Lee. In September of 1966, the couple welcomed, Sharlotte Rae, the completing piece of their family. Jim held his family in top priority throughout his life, with his pride and joy being his grandchildren and great-granddaughter. Jim loved listening to and singing country western music, watching John Wayne movies, and fishing. Jim was an active member of Bible Baptist Church in Dumas for 44 years. |
Occupation |
US Army Texas Highway Patrol 1963-1974 Texas Rangers 1974-1998 |
Deceased |
10/05/2018 |
Additional Information |
Oral History Interview With Jimmy "Jim" Gillespie |
Related Records
-
Texas Rangers In-Service School 1987 - MS 13 Robert K. Mitchell Collection
P.13.132
Record Type: Photo
