James Giles

Jim Giles of Elizabethtown, NC, passed away in his home on Thursday, February 5, 2009, peacefully with his family in his attendance. He was predeceased by his parents Jesse Decater and Emily Pearl Giles; his brothers Jesse Giles and Jerry Harmon; and a sister Virginia Bowers.



He is survived by his wife Bertha Gurgainus Giles of the home; daughter Jackie Ansbach and her husband Ronnie of Elizabethtown, NC. He leaves two grandchildren, Jessica and husband Derek Drake of Linden, NC, and Kristofer Shuart of Raleigh, NC. He has many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly, with special mention of Jenny, David, Tammy, Kenny, Carolyn, Doris, Ann, Robert, Judy, Stephen, Bobby, and his namesake Jim Giles of Austin, Texas and his brother-in-laws Don Wittich and wife Cindy, David Gurgainus and wife Martha. There were many friends near and dear to him, with special mention of Mack Jessup, Ernie Cates, Ed Schrader, Col. "Doc" White, Clarence English, Lynn Weeks, Roy Lomax, Roy Hatcher, Bobby Kinlaw, Tristina Coffin McKeithan; his new friends at Lower Cape Fear Hospice with special mention of Dr. Thigpen, Dr. Bridgers, Pat, Kerry, Penny, and Lisa.



Visitation will be held on Saturday night, February 7, 2009 from 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm at Bladen-Gaskins Funeral Home in Elizabethtown. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2009 at 2:00 pm at Bladen-Gaskins Funeral Home. Military honors and the burial service will be held at the Elizabethtown City Cemetery with Pastor Randy Andrews officiating. Memorials may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice.



Jim Giles worked on a ranch from the age of twelve to the age of seventeen when he joined the United States Marine Corps. No words can describe his loyalty to and his respect for the Corps. He spent twenty-two years active duty, with ten years as reserve, and the remaining time supporting the First Marine Division Association. He loved the reunions and served on their scholarship committee. He was a drill instructor, recruiter in time of war, and served as a Force Recon Battalion Leader, serving in the Korean War as well as tours in Vietnam.



He was a part of the United States Judo Association, Seventh Dan (degree in black belt) in Judo and Third Dan in Jujitsu. He was known nationally for his Judo and even made it to the Olympic trials in 1964 while competing for the Armed Forces Team. He had a broken clavicle and sawed off his cast to compete. He gave back to the sport through teaching from his Dojo at NASA in Houston, Texas and had a league of ten clubs in Virginia. He taught at various military bases throughout the years.



He also had a love for horses and was a longtime member of the American Quarter Horse Association. He developed the love for horses when he worked on a ranch as a child, and moved up to showing, riding, roping, some cutting, and teaching horsemanship. He remained a Ferrier until his illness three years ago. Later he retired from Civil Service and worked in various areas of law enforcement. He held the position of Veterans Service Officer and Elections Supervisor.



In his dress blues or his cowboy hats, he appeared to be ten feet tall and bullet-proof. To his family, he still does. The last verse in the Marine Corps Hymn describes the golden streets of heaven, guarded by the United States Marines. Let's all rejoice in his new duty station. Carry on.Semper Fi.