James Gatlin, Jr.

James Edward Gatlin Jr., 74 of Odessa, Texas, gained his wings on Friday, May 27, 2022, at home surrounded by his family.

James was born in Key West, Florida, on June 16,1947, to James Edward Gatlin Sr. and Gladys Louise Gatlin.

James enlisted in the army when he was 19 years old. He served one year in Vietnam and served in the 9th infantry. When James returned from Vietnam, he began to build his legacy. James was a lifelong truck driver (A True Asphalt Cowboy). He loved the beach, fishing and motorcycles but his true passion was his family. James was reunited with the love of his life 50 years later, and they were married October 28, 2017.

Survivors are his wife, Cheryl; sons, Scott Gatlin, Kevin Seibold & wife Theresa, Jeff Gatlin, and James Spencer Gatlin; one daughter, Tiffany Gatlin; two sisters, Linda Swain, Mary Nagle; and one brother, Billy Gatlin.

James had so much love to give, he had unofficially adopted so many children through the years that we could write a novel if we listed them all. James had 28 grandkids & numerous great grandkids.

Preceding him in death are his parents; brother, Jerry Gatlin; son, Shawn Gatlin; and great-grandson, Trenton.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at 3:00 PM at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home in Odessa, Texas. Reverend Dr. Jimmy Braswell will be officiating.

There will be a family visitation on Tuesday, May 31,2022, from 6 PM to 8 PM at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home.