James (Jim) Louis Gilzow

James Louis (Jim) Gilzow of Mount Ida completed the journey to his heavenly home on Tuesday, July 28. He was 91.

He was born Aug. 31, 1928, in Mabelvale, Ark., to Dora Mae and Louis Gilzow. He was a Baptist.
Jim was best known to family and friends for his genuinely kind and soft-spoken nature, along with his sense of humor and uncanny ability to mimic animals, including his crow call. He loved to make new friends or sit and talk with old ones, and he was always quick with a smile, a joke or a reassuring word. He also freely shared his faith in God.

Jim served in the U.S. Navy as a motor machinist mate on a destroyer escort ship. He later joined the Arkansas Democrat newspaper as a machinist specializing in maintenance and repair of Linotype machines. He also worked at newspapers in Oklahoma City, Santa Fe, N.M., and Longview, Texas. He was also a highly regarded professional house painter, and his talent for repairing practically anything served him well throughout his life.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Edwina Reutz Gilzow of the home; two sons, James E. Gilzow and wife Donna of Bella Vista, Ark., and Charles W. Gilzow and wife Quinette of Hot Springs; and three grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, two sisters and a brother.
At Jim’s request, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Montgomery County Nursing Home, 741 South Drive, Mount Ida, AR, 71957. Arrangements were made under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home of Mount Ida, AR.Guest may register at www.thorntonfh.com