James David (Jim) Childers

Obituary: James David Childers, our Pa left his earthly home to be with his loving wife, Helen on March 24, 2016. He was born in Alexander County, NC on April 5, 1930. He was the son of the late Homer Robinette and Viola Harrington Childers. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and retired from the machine shop at the former Cannon Mills Company in Kannapolis in 1993. He is preceded in death by his wife, Helen Spencer Childers. He leaves behind his pride and joy and devoted daughter, Kathy Gillon (Dr. Rick Felts) with whom he made his home and two grandsons that made his life complete; his namesake, James David Gillon, (Catherine and Keethen) of Kannapolis, NC and Dana L. Gillon (Debbie) of Fuquay-Varina, NC; and two little great-granddaughters, Lilli Sophia age 3 and Madelyn Reese Gillon age 1; his former son-in-law, David B. Gillon of Concord, NC; and his little dog/baby boy, Gabriel who was his constant companion in these last years. His surviving siblings are Harold Childers, Gracie Blackburn, and Everette (Sara) Childers; one brother-in-law, Bud Spears of Salisbury, husband of his deceased sister Clara Spears; and numerous nieces and nephews. Our gratitude goes to Rick who has provided him a home full of love and laughter...Rick has fulfilled the role of pastor, chaplain, son, caregiver and best friend. He did indeed live a life of utmost character. He never said a bad word about others and loved everyone equally and unconditionally. He was always the last in line. Others always came first in his eyes. He was our gentle giant, the glue that held our family together over the years, and our calm in this storm we call life. Oh, how he will be missed ... Our home will never be the same without him. The funeral service to celebrate his life will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, March 26, 2016 at Whitley's Funeral Home Main Chapel, Kannapolis, NC officiated by Dr. Rick Felts. Burial will follow at Carolina Memorial Park, Kannapolis, NC with military rites conducted by the Cabarrus County Veterans Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM Saturday at the funeral home prior to the service. A great big thank you to Home Instead, Home Health Team, Hospice of Charlotte (Lake Norman team), the Levine & Dickson Hospice House in Huntersville, NC and everyone affiliated with the Bill Hefner VA in Salisbury for the fantastic medical care, attention and respect he was given! Memorials may be made to the Hospice of Lake Norman, 705 Griffith Street Suite 203, Davidson, NC. 28036 On-line condolences may be left at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com.
Visitation: 12:30- 2:00 P.M. Saturday March 26, 2016 Whitley's Funeral Home

Service: 2:00 P.M. Saturday March 26, 2016 Whitley's Funeral Home

Interment: Carolina Memorial Park Kannapolis, N.C.