James W. "Jake" Gothard, age 90, of Sulligent, AL, passed away on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at his residence. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 27, 2023 at 2:00pm from the Otts Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in Sulligent City Cemetery. Bro. Jeff Chaffin to officiate. Visitation will be held at the funeral home prior to the funeral service from 1:00pm until 2:00pm.

Pallbearers: Mike Gothard, David Gothard, Stephen Gothard, Elijah Whitley, Kevin Borntreger, and Sam Measels

Jake was born on July 29, 1932 in Shelby County, AL to the late Henry Grover Gothard and the late Etha Mae Scott Gothard of Jemison, AL. He was saved at 13years old. Jake graduated from high school in Jemison, AL in 1950. He married Eva LaGeita Rooks of Jasper, AL in 1953 and they were married for 65 years when she passed away. From this union they had 2 children, Timothy and Tina. Jake and his family moved to Sulligent in 1977and joined Sulligent First Baptist Church. He worked at Hyster/NACCO until retirement. Prior to working at Hyster, he was employed with Anderson Electric in Leeds, AL.

Jake never met a stranger and loved talking to people. He loved Jesus and his family and friends. He was honest and hard working and would help anyone he could. He loved to fish and spent lots of time at the Lamar County Lake. He also enjoyed playing his guitar, especially for the local community centers and nursing homes. He was a loving member of Sulligent First Baptist Church.

Survived By:

Son: Timothy "Tim" Gothard(Paige), Leighton, AL

Daughter: Tina Whitley (Van), Hamilton, AL

Grandchildren: Heather Borntreger (Kevin),

Emily Measels(Sam), Stephen Gothard (Haley),

and Elijah Whitley

Great Grandchild: Callen Measels

Preceded In Death By:

Parents: Grover and Etha Mae Gothard

Wife: LaGeita Gothard

Brother: Odett Gothard

Sister In Law: Linda Gothard

Nephew: Mark Gothard

Condolences and special memories may be shared with the family at: www.ottsfuneralhome.net

Otts Funeral Home

Sulligent, AL, Directing