James Wyatt Gilchrist, Jr.

James “Jim” Wyatt Gilchrist, Jr., 75, of Garner, NC, passed away July 19, 2023. A native of Wake County, James was born on March 2, 1948, to the late James Wyatt and Patricia Eloise Barbour Gilchrist. Over the years, Jim wore many titles: Jimmy, Jim, husband, friend, brother, uncle, father, and grandfather with the most entertaining being, Peewee.

Jim grew up in Smithfield, NC with a tight group of friends. The boys were renowned for getting into and causing trouble, their antics forming fond colorful memories that have endured over the years. During his early years, Jim spent summers working at his uncle’s store, Andrew’s Market, where he and Cousin David entertained customers by causing mischief and pulling pranks. Jim was drafted by the Army in 1968 and his duty assignment was the 557th Military Police Company 95 Battalion. Jim proudly served our Country in Vietnam. Upon being honorably discharged, Jim accepted employment at a quarry where his fellow employees affectionately gave him the nick name Peewee for being the smallest man in the yard. After several years working in the quarry, Jim realized he had a penchant for operating equipment and decided to take the show on the road, literally, thus began what would become his lifelong career in the drilling industry. Jim enjoyed working outside arguing with drill rigs that most often did not operate up to his standards. It was a colorful show to behold and a wonderful career that took Jim across North Carolina  for over 30 years. Jim disappointed all his fellow drillers by deciding to retire in 2016 with the lofty goal of becoming a full time UNC and NASCAR fan, which he successfully achieved.

Left with decades of fond and colorful memories are his wife, Lisa Bullard-Gilchrist and son Ellis Reid Gilchrist; son, Jamey (Tanya) Gilchrist; daughter, Lisa (David) Withrow; grandchildren Leah, AnnaKate, David, and Hannah; sister, Diana Speas; brother, Danny (Carol) Gilchrist; nephew Reese (Melissa) Speas; cousin, David (Shirley) Andrews and sister in-law Karan (Reagan) Banks.

At Jim’s request, there will be no funeral service. What would make Jim the happiest is for you to go enjoy your favorite drink with a friend and continue dispensing the armchair coaching he regularly provided to UNC sports teams. The family asks that in lieu of plants/flowers, donations be sent to Transitions Life Care at transitionslifecare.org in honor of Jim.