Jim was raised in Hoxie, AR, where his father owned a sawmill. Jim learned to log and mill from his dad, which became his life passion. To all who knew him Jim was legendary in the business. Jim loved spending time with his grandkids and family. As a young man he loved to fish and hunt. As time passed, Jim discovered “cow pasture pool” golf and loved it. So much he made a driving range out the back door on the property. He and his wife shared their dream home. Jim had such a keen wit and many stories to tell, which were filled with laughter and intrigue. Jim had such a big heart and would do anything for anybody, he found something to enjoy every day. His witty observations brightened the day and made him very unique, one of a kind enduring person. On July 19 2002 he was married to Ginger Koch and they found their dream home in Alton, MO and raised their family (of dogs), everyone of them were his babies.
He is survived by his wife Ginger, daughters Rhonda (Wendell), Jamie Kay Dearinge, Ashley Casey (Branden), Danielle Ferguson (Ashley), sons Ted Gatewood, Simon Gatewood (Shelli), Jackson Ferguson (Christina), grandkids Jessica Eakins (Joni), Destiny Condray (Jacob), Marissa Farris (Phillip), Caila Sparks, Cooper Gatewood, Bowen Gatewood, Kagen Hollis, Kinzy Hollis, Daveena Ferguson, (his Lil’ Deva), Sequoia Ferguson (Lil Groot), great-grandbabies Macenna Crouch, Emerie Smith, Jasper Condray (Lil’ Rascal), brothers Bob Gatewood (Delois), Clark Gatewood (Geraldine), sister Norma Counts.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son Jimmy Lance Gatewood, brothers Jesse “Tiny” Gatewood and Buddy Gatewood, sisters Linda Stayton, Lawrence Hyde, Pauline Newman, Joanne Petero and Alice Lansdale, nieces Brenda Lee and Gayle Broadwater, nephew Junior Gatewood.
