Obituary: Gulliford
James “Jim” W. Gulliford, Jr., 74, of Forrest, passed away at 4:05 pm on Friday, April 6, 2018 at Advocate BroMenn Regional Medical Center in Normal.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at St. Rose Catholic Church in Strawn with Father Scott Archer officiating. A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Monday, April 9, 2018 at Calvert & Martin Funeral Home in Forrest. According to his wishes, cremation rites will be accorded following services. Burial will be at a later date at Forrest Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Jim’s name may be made to Forrest Historical Society. Jim was born September 8, 1943 in Fairbury, IL a son of James W. Sr. and Delpha Mae (Davis) Gulliford. He married Joyce Doyle on October 12, 1963 in Ivesdale, IL. She survives in Forrest. Also surviving are his children: Brad (Gail) Gulliford of Forrest, Leslie Gulliford (Pete Victora) of Muscoda, WI, and Scott (Amy) Gulliford of Shorewood, IL; five grandchildren: Derrick, Mitchell, Natalie, Nick, and Grace Gulliford; two sisters: Jacque (Bob) Schrock and Debbie (Ron “Tiss”) Steidinger both of Forrest, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents. Jim was educated in the Forrest schools. He worked for Honegger Farms from 1963-1971. In August of 1971 he went to work for Nichols Homeshield (Quanex) in Chatsworth. Working his way up to Vice President of Building Products before retiring in 2004. He was currently the Village of Forrest President (Mayor) serving for the last ten years. Jim was a visionary for the town of Forrest with his latest project being transitioning the Village offices to the former St. James Mission, as well as voting and all senior citizen activities for easier accessibility.
Jim served on the board of directors for Futures Unlimited in Pontiac, 8 years on the Foundation Board at Gibson Area Hospital, and on the Greater Livingston County Economic Development Committee Board, and was a member of the Forrest Lions Club for more than 15 years. He also served as the treasurer for the Forrest Historical Society and was instrumental in the restoration of the Hampsher Hotel and the Wabash Train Depot. Jim was a member of the St. Andrew’s Catholic Parish.
He loved golfing. Golfing with his dad, sons, grandkids, Wednesday morning group at Wolf Creek, and in Arizona. He enjoyed going to Arizona to White Sox spring training every year, old jute boxes, 50’s and 60’s records, and antique cars.
