The cowboy rides away, James Lee Gill, 77, passed peacefully on May 27th, 2025, in the arms of his youngest daughter Dana at the Bowers Hospice House in Beckley, WV.

Our Jimmy, lovingly known as "Cowboy", lived life to the fullest, spending quality time with family and friends. He was a skilled farrier and heavy equipment operator for Vecellio & Grogan, Inc. In February he returned home to his hometown in West Virginia and enjoyed watching the snow fall, wild turkeys and spending time on his cousin JK's farm at Grandview.

Jimmy is survived by Kelly Jean of Benton, LA, Jamie and wife Dana of Moss Point, MS, Jeff and wife Julie of Carrington, ND; grandchildren, Johnny, Charlie, Sylvie and Kaylin. Daughters Jessica Gill of Monroe, GA, Dana Harmon of Oxford, GA; and five grandchildren, as well as brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews in many states.

Born in the coal camp of Raleigh, West Virginia in 1948 to Houston W. Gill and Bertha Mae Allen, he was raised by his oldest sister, Beverly Jean Redden. In his younger years he enjoyed spending time training horses at Crow and teaching his niece, Shelley Redden of Shady Spring to ride quarter horses. Jimmy was extremely proud of his West Virginia heritage, his family and his love of animals.

In honoring Jimmy's wishes a private memorial was held at Sandstone Falls overlook following his cremation. A Celebration of Cowboy's life will be June 28th, 2025, in Gratis, GA. Memorial donations may be made to the Bowers Hospice House of Beckley, or the Walton County Humane Society, Monroe, GA.

Melton Mortuary and Cremation Center has the honor of serving the family during this difficult time. Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be shared by visiting www.meltonmortuary.com