James F. Gayle

James F. Gayle, 88, passed away at 8:30 AM on April 21, 2013 in his residence.

He was a lifelong native of Lake Charles, born January 24, 1925 of parents Arthur L. Gayle and Susan Gedge Gayle. Jim attended Central School of Lake Charles and Allen Military Academy in Bryan, TX. He graduated from Lake Charles High School. Upon graduation, Jim attended LSU and before graduating enlisted in the Army Air Corps during WWII. Upon completion of his military service, Jim returned to Lake Charles to run the family business, Open A-1 Ranch, Inc., serving as President for many years. Jim was active in the Louisiana Cattlemen's Association and served a term as president. He also served as Vice-President of Meadowridge Development Corp., which developed rural and residential subdivisions. Jim was a pilot; an avid golfer and bridge player; an excellent dancer; and he enjoyed traveling, particularly in his later years with his wife Barbara. He was active member of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish where he sang in the choir.

Jim is survived by his wife Barbara Gunn Gayle of Lake Charles, two sons, Jack G. Wheeler, Jr. and wife Brandy of Lake Charles and Christopher A. Gayle, M.D. and fiance'e Julie Pharr of Shreveport; one daughter Jennifer L. MacKenzie and husband Ken of Dallas; one brother, Arthur L. Gayle, Jr. of Lake Charles; and six grandchildren, Alex Leighton Wheeler, Martha Louise Liskow, Hallie Gayle Liskow, Anne Frances Liskow, Kathryn Ana Gayle and Quincy Adams Gayle. Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Polly Adams Gayle; two brothers, William Gedge Gayle and Willis Weber Gayle; and one granddaughter, Abigail Paige Wheeler.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:30 PM on Thursday, April 25, 2013 at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. Msgr. Harry Greig will officiate. Interment will be in Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 5:00 until 8:00 PM on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 with a Scripture Service at 6:30 PM. Visitation will continue Thursday from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM in the funeral home.

Donations may be made to Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church and the Arthur L. Gayle, Sr. Memorial Scholarship at McNeese State University.