James Edward "Eddie" Gilliss, 85, of Claremore, Oklahoma, passed away on August 27, 2026.

Eddie was born on October 7, 1940, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Everett and Rita Gilliss. He spent his childhood in west Tulsa before his family settled in Oakhurst. He attended Holy Family Catholic School and graduated in 1957.

Following graduation, Eddie proudly served his country in the United States Navy. After completing basic training in San Diego, California, he was stationed in South Weymouth, Massachusetts. It was there that he met Patricia Payne, the love of his life. The two were married on January 8, 1961, beginning a loving marriage that would span more than 65 years. Together they raised three children: Tracy, Jennifer, and Jason.

In 1970, Eddie and Patty returned to Tulsa, where they built a life centered on family. While Patty cared for their home and children, Eddie worked as a machinist and highly skilled sheet metal fabricator. During his career at Rockwell, he contributed to the production of the Space Shuttle doors and worked on the military B-1 Bomber wing project. He later retired from Boeing following its acquisition of Rockwell.

Eddie was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, and camping. Some of his family's favorite memories were made on weekend camping trips and sharing his love of hunting and fishing. He took great pride in supporting his children, faithfully attending their sporting events and spending countless hours practicing softball, baseball, and soccer with them in the backyard.

After retirement, Eddie and Patty built a home on ten acres north of Claremore, where he embraced one of his newest passions: outdoor photography. He found joy in capturing the beauty of nature and spending time outdoors. Known for his strong work ethic, attention to detail, and relentless pursuit of perfection, Eddie was a man who could build, repair, or create just about anything. Family and friends knew he was always the first person to call when help was needed, and he never hesitated to lend a hand.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Gilliss; daughter Jennifer Nitz and husband Larry, and their children Derek Nitz and wife Beth, Peyton Nitz, and Jenna Nitz; son Jason Gilliss and wife Melinda, and their children Madison Lister and husband Nathan, Allison Szymanski and husband Brett, and Emily Wallace and husband Jimmy; and the children of his late daughter Tracy Gaylor: Bryan Gaylor and wife Faith, Joel Gaylor and wife Jessica, and Kim Howard and husband Dusty. He is also survived by his brother, Jerry Gilliss; sister, Carol Gilliss; nine great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Rita Gilliss; his brother, Stormy Gilliss; his sister, Karen Keith; and his daughter, Tracy Gaylor.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, 3612 E. 91st Street South, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74137.