Jim Rossie Gude

Jim Rossie Gude died Thursday, Sept. 8, 2011 at Crestview Nursing Home in Atlanta.

Mr. Gude was born in Shady Dale on October 27, 1942 to the late Andrew Jake and Eva Gude. He graduated from the Jasper County Training School (JCTS) and moved to Atlanta where he lived for several years before joining the military.

Mr. Gude served from 1963 to 1969. While in the military he trained at Ft. Gordon, Ga., Ft. Dix, N.J. and Ft. Leonardwood in St. Louis, Mo. He was a radio and carrier operator, and was honorably discharged after he served his tour of duty from 1963 to 1966 and completed his service to the Army in the Army Reserve unit from 1966 to 1969.

After returning from the service, Mr. Gude worked for several years at General Motors but spent the last 40 years of his life as a driver for several cab companies in Atlanta until he retired in 2009. He still served as a driver for several private patrons.

“Jim Rossie” is survived by a son, Michael R. Gude, 11 siblings and their families: Willie Gude, Oliver Gude, Andrew Gude, Shirley (Sage) Edwards, Amy Gude, Charles Gude, John Gude, James Gude, Marie Gude, Marilyn Richardson and Phillip Gude. He also has two half sisters, Inez Dearro and Hattie Kate Banks. He also leaves to mourn his passing 25 nieces and nephews (two deceased nephews) and 23 great nieces and nephews and one on the way, one aunt, Mrs. Julia Mae Derricho and a host of cousins and friends. He is also survived by his best friend forever, Lee Arthur Rivers.

In the last few years Mr. Gude had returned to his home church, Greenwood Baptist in Shady Dale and was soon to be ordained as a deacon. He was known for his singing during the devotional and regular service. Mr. Gude loved life and was a constant source of humor and well wishes to everyone he knew. No one was a stranger to Jim and he will leave a large void in many lives.

The funeral service will be held Thursday, Sept. 15, at 1 p.m. at Greenwood Baptist Church. His body will be available for viewing prior to the service at the church from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Pallbearers and flower girls will be his Greenwood brothers and sisters. Interment will be at the Greenwood Community (Shady Dale) Cemetery.

Raleigh Rucker Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.