Jay “Jaybird” Gillem, age 95, passed away on October 13, 2019 in Childress, TX. A memorial service will be held at 10:00am, Friday, October 18, 2019 at the Central Christian Church with Dr. Dee Green officiating with Roger Simmons assisting. Jay was born on April 21, 1924 to L.P. “Pete” Gillem and Bertha Mae (Franks) Gillem in Childress, TX.  He was married to the love of his life, Ellen Gillem for 60 years.  He was a member of the Central Christian Church of Childress and Elks BPOE #1113.  He worked as an engineer for the railroad for over 30 years.  He loved his two precious little dogs, Harley and Roxie. Jay is survived by his wife, Ellen Gillem of Childress, TX; son, Mike Gillem and wife, Karen of Oklahoma City, OK; son, Danny Gillem and wife, Lori of Childress, TX; grandchildren, Mallory Maldonado and husband, Marcos of Childress, TX, Tanner Gillem of Lubbock, TX, Tristan Thomas and husband, Lane of Childress, TX, Ryan Gaines of Arizona, Shyla Gaines of Arizona, Jenna Bishchel and husband, Ben of Claude, TX; Conor Cope and wife, Reina, of Childress; Calor Cope and girlfriend, Elise Tolley, of Canyon; Carli Cope of Austin; Cody Brumbaugh and wife, Amber, of Mustang, OK.; Jamie Gunter and husband, David, of Oklahoma City; Matthew Brumbaugh of Luther, OK.; sister, Mary Joe Preston of California; great grandchildren, Brooklyn, Hailey, Remy and Noah, Ian, Colby, Austin, Mackenzie, Taylor, Casey, Rylan, Katherine, Sage, Hannah, Parker and Grayson; Numerous nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, J.B. Gillem and Dee Ray Gillem; sisters, Helen Davis, Ruby Crump and Tommie Gillem.