James L. Gish

James L. Gish, 81, of Henderson, passed away Friday, January 23, 2026 at Deaconess Henderson.

He was born in Henderson County on May 13, 1944 to Louia and Marylee (Overby) Gish.

James was an equipment operator at Alcoa for 32 years and served in the United States Air Force. He was a lifelong member of the VFW in Illinois and Pleiku Air Base Association. He spent many years behind the wheel of a John Deere tractor and found joy in hunting, fishing, farming, and spoiling his wife.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Ronnie Gish and sister, Judy Parker.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Rita Gish; children, Lori (Barry) Eblen and James L. (Terri) Gish, Jr.; grandchildren, James Michael (Jessie) Eblen, Jonathan (Carli) Eblen, Justin (Rachel) Eblen, Shelby Lynn Gish, and Casey Nicole Green; great grandchildren, Cora McKenzie, Reed McKenzie, Henry Eblen, Charlie Eblen, Ellis Eblen, Grant Eblen, Colt Green, and Chloe Green.

No services are scheduled.

Tomblinson Funeral Home in Henderson is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may take the form of donations to the KY Sheriff Boys and Girls Ranch or St. Jude’s.