GILLSVILLE – James Wilburn House, 81, went home to be with Jesus on Wednesday, July 7, 2010.
He grew up in Gillsville, the son of the late Judge House and Eunice House. Mr. House was preceded in death by sisters, Georgia Smith, Maxine Pinion and Sarah Fortner. He had many talents. He was a retired barber, retired school bus driver of 47 years in which he drove many family generations to school including his kids and grandkids, but his passion was in building houses which he did for 40 to 50 years and farming. James loved his tractor and planting his gardens. He touched so many lives over the years and his love for Jesus and people radiated through him.
James lived his life for Jesus and his family. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to someone in need and never met a stranger. So no tears, please for this is a time to celebrate his life. Remember James would say, “You all still have a place in my heart and to live for Jesus and pray.” Remember to wear those bright smiles and bright colors and help us celebrate James House’s life.
Survivors include those loved most, his wife of 60 years, Betty Grace House, Gillsville; daughters and sons-in-law, Diane and Dale Purcell, Homer, Jeanne and Steve Webb, Gillsville; son and daughter-in-law, Tim and Kay House, Gillsville; six grandchildren who were the brightest spot in his life and they all loved their Papa James, Kevin and April Purcell, Commerce, Sandie and Randy Parker, Macon, Jamie and Joe Anderson, Maysville, Jennifer Webb, Gillsville, Daphne and Matthew Moon, Homer, Holly and Ashley, Maysville; nine great-grandchildren plus one that is on the way who loved their Papa James and he loved them, Landon Purcell, Andrew and Chandler James Parker, Emma Grace and Colby (on the way) Anderson, Tyler, Emily and Sarah Moon, Ella Little; other family members, Pam and Jim Butler family, Gillsville, Patty and Wayne Gee family, Gainesville, and other family members; and many nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to express a special thank you to everyone over the years that has prayed, sent thoughts and well wishes and to Mrs. Blanche who has helped with the care giving.
James loved living and this is a time to celebrate his life so the family asks that everyone attending his service wear bright colors. Funeral services will be held Friday, July 9, at 3 p.m. at Gillsville Baptist Church with the Revs. Bill Calhoun, Tim House, Kevin Purcell and Bev Jones officiating. Burial will be in the Gillsville Cemetery. The body will lie in state from 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the church. The family will receive friends from 2 to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 8, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The James House Memorial, c/o Gillsville Baptist Church, P.O. Box 416, Gillsville, GA 30543.
Ward’s Funeral Home, Gainesville, is in charge of arrangements.