James Donald (J.D.) Gillenwaters, 85, of Chestnut Ridge, MO passed away on Tuesday, July 17, 2012 in his home. He was born October 10, 1926 in Springfield, MO to Wilma Lucille (Young) and O.T. Gillenwaters. J.D. attended primary and secondary school in Strafford, MO and received his Bachelors of Business Administration from the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa, OK. He served as a Master Sargent in the United States Army during World War II in the Pacific Theater.
J.D. was one of the founding members of the HBA of Greater Springfield and was elected to serve as the association’s first president in 1954-1955. Later, he was again elected as president in 1970. J.D. is one of only four HBA of Greater Springfield members ever to be granted honorary lifetime board member status, and he is a member of the HBA of Greater Springfield Hall of Fame.
He developed several subdivisions in Springfield from the 1950’s to the late 1980’s. He also constructed and developed Brentwood and Kickapoo Corners shopping centers. J.D. was the president of Gillenwaters Developers from 1980 until his retirement in 1992.
J.D. was married to Jacqueline (Booher) on April 15, 1947. The couple had three children, James Orville, D.J. (DiCiacca) and Mark Steven. J.D. and Jackie celebrated 65 years of marriage in 2012.
J.D. was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers W.O. and Gerry Gene, and his son Mark Steven.
J.D. is survived by his wife Jackie; his children, James and D.J.; his grandchildren Laurali, Courtney, Whitney, and Mark; great-grandchildren, James, Katherine, Finn, Matthew, Nathan and Alfio; and many nieces and nephews. He was respected and loved, and will be missed by the many who knew him.
Services, including a military graveside service, were held in the Snapps-Bearden Funeral Home in Branson on July 21st.