James William Gilbert

James was born on May 28, 1925 in Bethel, Oklahoma to James William, Sr. and Vita Arizona (Townsend) Gilbert. He graduated from Battiest High School. James received a Bachelor"s Degree and a Master"s Degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State College and then received hi Administrative Certification from the Oklahoma State University. He enlisted in the United States Army on September 20, 1943 and was honorably discharged on February 19, 1946. On February 28, 1947, James married Lera Hicks, who preceded him in death on September 5, 1984. They were happily married for over thirty-seven years. He worked in education from 1955 to 1986. James was the Principal of Eufaula Public Schools for over twenty-one years. He was a member of the Eufaula Church of Christ. Survivors include his daughters: Jackie Browne and husband, Spanky, of Wilburton, OK; and Jamie Gilbert, of Checotah, OK; sister: Merilyn Cogburn, of Hulbert, OK; half-sister, Coradean Camery; grandchildren: Cody Browne and wife, J"Lyn; Chari Hood and husband, Travis; Jayson Haskett and wife Shana; Jayna McGuire and husband, Brad; and ten great grandchildren: Lane Browne, Colt Browne, Dillan Browne, Jacy Browne, Tanner Hood, Casen Hood, Kaytee Hood, James Wyatt Haskett, Cierra McGuire, and Brailee McGuire. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dalton Gilbert; sister, Billie Jean Keith; grandson, Chad Browne; and half-sister, Magalene Looper.