Jimmy Paul Gillum, 73, North Manchester, passed away January 17, 2024, at Wabash Parkview Hospital. The son of John F. and Zanna M. (Bragg) Gillum, Jimmy was born February 21, 1950, in Logan, West Virginia.
Jimmy enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and became a Golden Gloves boxer. He spent just over a year in Vietnam, where he was wounded three times before receiving an honorable discharge. He was very supportive of the military and was a member of American Legion Sunset Post 402. After returning home, Jimmy managed restaurants for many years before becoming a truck driver. During this time, he began dating Norma Jean Good, and the two were wed on July 14, 1983. The couple owned and operated Lil’ Richards Restaurant in North Manchester from 1981 to 1985. They were married just short of their fortieth wedding anniversary.
Full of courage and strength, Jimmy had a will to get things done. He possessed the remarkable ability to make people smile and laugh no matter the situation. With a heart as big as they come, he helped anyone who asked and enjoyed conversing with them while doing so. Nothing made Jimmy smile more than spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The loving memory of Jimmy Gillum will be forever cherished by his children, Adam (Erin) Gillum, Wabash, Kirk (Renee) Thomas, North Manchester, and Jamie (Michelle) Gillum, North Manchester; brother, Jack (Judy) Gillum, New Market, Tennessee; ten grandchildren; and nineteen great-grandchildren. Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Norma Jean Gillum; brothers, Johnny and Billy Gene Gillum; and sisters, Glenda Stone, Sena Setser, and Patricia Kirk.
Family and friends may call Saturday, January 20, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester. Funeral services will begin at the conclusion of calling with Pastor Billy Fields officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery, 600 Beckley Street, North Manchester, Indiana.
For those who wish to honor the memory of Jimmy Gillum, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675.
The family of Jimmy Gillum has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.
Condolences may be emailed to mckeemortuary.com