James T. "Jim" Gourley
July 25, 1961 ~ August 12, 2020
James T. “Jim” Gourley, 59, of Beech Grove, passed away at his residence surrounded by his family on August 12. 2020 after a courageous battle with his health. Jim was born on July 25, 1961 in Indianapolis to the late Audrey Clayton and Reba B. (James) Gourley. On July 3, 1996 Jim was united in marriage to Elizabeth “Beth” Anderson; Beth survives.
Upon graduating high school, Jim held a very successful career as a barber. He was a barber for over 30 years at Tom’s Barber Shop on State Road 135 and Stop 11 Road. Jim also worked at Crown Point Barber College as an instructor, during which he and his students did the haircuts for the movie “Hoosiers”.
Jim loved to fish and spend time with his daughters when he was not cutting hair. A famous quote Jim was known to say was, “I don’t know anyone nicer than me, just ask me; I’ll tell ya!” Jim will be remembered as a strong person who was an amazing father, husband, and barber.
Along with his parents, Jim is preceded in death by his sisters, Margaret A. Dilley and Sharon L. Gourley.
Along with his wife, Beth, survivors include his two precious daughters, Kali and Scarlett Gourley; his step-daughter, Maria Melvin; his step-sons, Mark Browning and Daniel (Heather) Combs; his brother, A.C. (Nancy) Gourley; and his sister, Diane “Di” Gourley; many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Family and friends will gather for the visitation on Monday, August 17. 2020 from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. in the O’Riley Funeral Home, 6107 South East Street, Indianapolis. The funeral service for Jim will begin in the funeral home at 1:00 P.M. on Monday. Interment will follow in Independence Circle at Washington Park East Cemetery. Please visit www.ORileyFuneralHome.com to share a favorite memory of Jim with his family.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Friends and Family uploaded 1 to the gallery.
Lit a candle in memory of James T. “Jim” Gourley
A great friend and dad
One of the greatest men I have ever known. He had a huge heart and would have done anything for anyone. He would even bring you a tooth brush at 3 am when he picks you up from getting into a little bit of trouble. But one thing I did learn from him is you better have some darn wooden toothpicks in your house if he is coming over. Just know I will always have them where ever I am now.
You my dear brother will be so greatly missed by all, I will definitely miss you always picking at me for one thing or another, Im gonna miss your calls to my sister when you were still working and always making the remark, I bet that trouble making sister of yours is setting there next to you trying to see who she can cause trouble for today that was your favorite thing to always call me.. you was always calling me The Troubel Maker. It Kind of became my nickname with you.I forever will love & miss you
I remember my first haircut at a barber shop was from Jim. He was funny. I went there for a long time to wait on Jim’s chair to open up. Good man.
Jim was a great man with a heart of gold, and I am glad God let me know him with the humble spirit, of a simple haircut as my path. Condolences to all the family.ߙϰߙ
Dear A.C and Family, Wishing you peace to bring you comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart
Jim, cut my hair for years….gave the best Flattop anywhere! Everybody that knew Jim, knew what a good sense of humor he had, always joking us. One Saturday, he was cutting my hair, and I bet him $100 he would not let me give him a haircut, he took the bet! So he gave me his clippers and I took a swipe right down the middle of his hair, all the way to his scalp. At that time Jims hair was fairly long…..He then took the clippers from me and finished shaving his head in front of everybody, and held his hand out, and I had to pay up……I’ll never forget it……loved him, and Good Man, will be missed by all!
Good laughs, good talks and good haircuts. You will be missed my friend.
Jim always had a smile for me whenever I visited him and my cousin Beth. He was a good man with a heart of gold and I will miss him.
It has been a blessing to have Jim in my life. I will think of him often with great admiration and love.
A giant of a man will be greatly missed in our family. Jim’s humor and compassion for all he knew will be remembered greatly. Jim I know you and dad are in heaven telling many barber stories right now. We love you so much.
L
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Jim cut my son’s hair for many years. My son has autism and Jim had the magic touch to put my son at ease. You had a great sense of humor and were one of the best barbers! It will not be the same at the barber shop without you. My prayers and condolences go out to your family. Vickie and Colton
Jim is the only barber my son Hayden wanted to see. He also cut my dad(Gene Dillon) hair for many years as well. My dad has just passed away and although I am sad that Jim has passed. I know he will keep my dad looking good and cracking up in heaven. Rest easy Jim.