James Louie Gilliam Obituary
James Louie Gilliam of Athens, Tennessee passed away on September 18, 2026. James, born on December 29, 1944 in Niota, Tennessee, shared life alongside family, friends, and others. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family.
He was predeceased by: his parents, J. L. Gilliam and Lorena Gilliam; and his siblings, Gene Gilliam and Carol Ann Hodge. He is survived by: his close friends, Butch, Nancy Martin and Ronnie Hester (late Gail); his wife Glenna Gilliam; his children, Amy Spears (Lynn) of Athens and Eric Gilliam (Carolyn) of Knoxville; his grandchildren, Ashlynn Spears, Hunter Spears, Macey Gilliam and James Gilliam; and his siblings, Wylda Jo Jones, Steve Gilliam, Richard Gilliam and David Gilliam. He is also survived by many extended family members and dear friends.
Visitation was held on Tuesday, September 22nd 2026 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Smith Funeral & Cremation Service of Athens (1010 S White St, Athens, TN 37303). A funeral service was held on Tuesday, September 22nd 2026 at 7:00 PM at the Smith Funeral Home (1010 S White St, Athens, TN 37303). A burial was held on Wednesday, September 23rd 2026 at 11:00 AM at the McMinn Memory Gardens (1727-1739 Co Rd 560, Athens, TN 37303).
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Sacred Ground Hospice House in Knoxville, Tennessee, where Jim spent his final days surrounded by a loving and faithful staff.
