James Gildon

On February 3, 2021, James N. Gildon saw the gates of heaven open and heard the calling of his name. It was then that he entered those gates to his eternal life with Christ. He was born to Clarence C. and Manda Gildon in Travis County. James grew up in Bastrop and Travis County where he attended the public school in Manor where he later graduated. James grew up in a strong Christian environment and he accepted Christ at an early age.  He was baptized at Union Lee Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of Reverend J. D. Cleveland.

Upon graduating, James joined the U. S. Army where he served our Nation for 25 years. During his time in the U. S. Army, James Gildon was promoted to Sergeant in his field, which later earned him a purple heart twice. James was able to see many areas of the world and his career took him to many battle fields. The most challenging field of battle was the Vietnam War.

On August 6, 1977, James was united in Holy Matrimony to Ynetta Wilson and through this union two children were born. The earthly union continued for 32 years until Ynetta was called from labor to reward in 2010.

After retiring, James Gildon returned to the Elgin, Texas area. James loved to dance and attend large family gatherings and he cherished every moment spent with his many loved ones. His cooking skills were proven when he would cook out on the pit.  James just enjoyed life and family.

James was a man who was naturally kind, calm and had a generous heart.  His compassion was evident when he helped family and friends in their time of need.  His greatest passion was helping the elderly he came in contact with in any way he could. At age seventy-three, James saw his promise of eternal life when he heard the voice of Jesus calling as he left his earthly tabernacle to join his wife, Ynetta Gildon, his parents Clarence and Manda Gildon and four brothers, MC Gildon, Robert Gildon, Clarence Gildon and Charles Gildon.

James leaves to cherish his memories his children, Amanda Moore of Elgin and Roderick Gildon (Katie) of San Antonio; four grandchildren, Anthony Moore Jr., Dazzae Gildon, Anajya Gildon, and Melissa Forsness; his brothers and sisters, Alfred Gildon (Dorothy) of Houston,  Rosie Jones of Manor, Clara Henson of Austin, Willie Gildon of Austin, Bettie Jones of Webberville, and Emma Scott (Greg) of Manor; his uncles and aunts; and a multitude of nieces and nephews spanning four generations, along with a  host of other relatives and dear friends.
He will lie in state at Elgin Funeral Home, Friday, February 12th from 9:00 AM until 8:00 PM.  A Home-Going Celebration will be conducted at Elgin Funeral Home, under the auspices of Union Lee Missionary Baptist Church, Saturday, February 13th at 11:00 AM with the Reverends, Randolph Cleveland and Byron Green presiding.  Interment will follow at Elgin Latin Cemetery.