James Franklin Gilbert passed away Sunday, June 11, 2017, at the age of 66 years following a long battle with illness. He was born August 30, 1950 in Big Spring but spent most of his childhood in Brownfield. He later returned to Big Spring to live the remainder of his life. He served in the United States Army and fought in the Vietnam War. Most of his life was spent working in the oilfield and ranching up until about the last fifteen years when he began ranching full time.He is survived by a brother; Galin Gilbert; a sister, Bonnie Kinard and husband, Archie all of Big Spring; eleven nephews; seven nieces; and numerous great and great great nieces and nephews.He is preceded in death by his mother, Charlotte Gilbert; his father, Garland Gilbert; two sisters, Irene Sinsel and Clara Richey; two brothers, Alvin Gilbert and Grady Gilbert; a niece, Sheila Gilbert; a nephew, David Sinsel; and a great nephew, Kelby Land.\Jim\ as he preferred to be called was a kind hearted man and would help anyone at any time and anyway he could. He had a knack for storytelling and you could never quite tell if he was pulling your leg or not. He kept his family and friends always smiling and will be greatly missed by all!The family will receive friends Tuesday, June 13, 2017 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at Mt. Olive Memorial Park.The family requests memorial donations be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105 Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. Condolences may be made at www.npwwelch.com.,
