James Gaylon Pulliam Obituary (2024)

James Gaylon Pulliam was born on March 31st, 1951 (as a leap year baby) to Claudie Fay and Curtis Daniel Pulliam, in Kennett, Missouri. James was the second oldest of twelve siblings. He took pride in being a great big brother to his siblings, sisters: Annie (Joe) McFarland, Betty (Roy) Flores, Donna (John) Vargas, Debbie (Jerry) Plunkett, and his brothers: Jimmy (Peggy), Rockey, Donald (Dianna), Kenny, Jessie (Tavie), and Gerald (preceded in death). As a kid he grew up being a migrant worker, living in various states (Indiana, Arizona, Michigan, California, Oregon, Missouri, Arkansas, Oregon, Montana, and Washington). At a very young age James was a hard worker who picked anything and everything. In his early teen years, he enjoyed attending Dog Trials with his Uncle Dutch and brother-in-law, Jerry Cowan. During that time of his life, he met the love of his life , Geraldine Cowan. James said when he met her, he was "moonstruck by lightning" at the ages of 15 and 17. They got hitched by Bill Macintire (The first couple Bill married was James & Geraldine Pulliam, and the last couple he married was James' grandson, AJ & Abigail Pulliam). Together they had 3 children: Lonnie, David, and Linda. James was a true "Jack of all trades". He formed a number of enduring relationships, friends like the Wilkeys and the Doyles. He had amusing stories, from throwing a car off a cliff, meeting Festus from Gunsmoke, to hitchhiking from California to Washington, funny stories in the locker room with his cousins, the Crowders, to operating an Ice Cream business with his wife, Dean. James had a strong love for playing cards and slots. You would know it was casino day by his outfit. He took tremendous pride in being a great Papa to his grandchildren: Stephanie (Patrick) Butterfield, Tyla (David) Gomez, AJ (Abigail), and Joshua , David Pulliam Jr. and great-grandchildren: Zayden, Trenton, and Eric Butterfield, Marie and RJ Pulliam. On his death bed James told his grandchildren to "make money". At 73 years of age, he passed away on May 6th, surrounded by loved ones. James was a kind soul and had a very contagious smile that will never be forgotten. CANCELED - Celebration of Life, as soon as family is well, we'll reschedule. Please WEAR YOUR BEST PLAID FLANNEL once the Celebration of Life is rescheduled. Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family.