of Lakeview, AR
December 18, 1941 - July 13, 2015
James A. "Jim" Gaston, owner of Arkansas' renowned Gaston's White River Resort, has died at age 73, in Mountain Home. He was born December 18, 1941, in Herrin, Illinois to Albert and Iola (Cosey) Gaston. He married Jill Glenn February 7, 1986, in El Dorado, Arkansas.
Al Gaston started the legendary Gaston's White River Resort in 1958, with Jim inheriting the operation at the age of 20. At that time, Gaston's consisted of six cabins on 20 acres, and six boats. The complex now spans 400 acres, two miles of river frontage, has 79 cottages, 70 boats and a 3,200-foot airstrip. The resort features a renowned restaurant as well.
An early champion of tourism in the state, Gaston was a lifetime member of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism Commission. He served as a president of the group and was commissioner emeritus. He also served as president of the Arkansas Tourism Development Foundation and was a past president of Arkansas Hospitality Association.
Gaston was slated to be honored with the Legacy Award from the Arkansas Outdoors Hall of Fame, which is a project of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Gaston was selected for the honor because of the key role he played in establishing trout fishing in Arkansas.
In 2010, Gaston was honored as the Business Executive of the Year by Arkansas Business and was a 1999 inductee into the Arkansas Outdoors Hall of Fame.
Locally, Gaston served in the Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce and many other groups. He was an inductee in the ASU-Mountain Home Trout Hall of Fame. He was named Arkansas Tourism Man of the year in 1985.
Gaston was a philanthropist as well, sponsoring the Gaston Lobby at Roller Hall on the ASU-MH campus, as well as endowing the Gaston Lecture Series at the college.
Gaston is memorialized for all his contributions by the James A. Gaston Visitor Center at the Bull Shoals-Whiter River State Park. The $4.7 million complex covers 15,744 square feet and includes state of the art Environmental Education Learning Center.
Later in life, Gaston became an accomplished outdoors photographer, publishing "An Ozark Perspective", a collection of his work.
Gaston is survived by his wife Jill Gaston of Lakeview, Arkansas, a step-son Phillip Moudy and wife Dana of Gassville, Arkansas, a brother Larry Gaston and wife Shelly of El Dorado, Kansas, grandchildren Clint Gaston and Ashley Moore both of Lakeview, Arkansas and Morgan Moudy and Dallas Moudy both of Gassville, Arkansas, two great grandchildren Kylie and Cade Pulke both of Lakeview, Arkansas, a niece Michele Cauele of Liberal, Kansas and a nephew Lindsey Gaston of Liverpool, England. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son Eric Gaston.
Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 21, 2015, at the Vada Shied Center at Arkansas State University Mountain Home. Interment will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Ozarks Hospice House, Arkansas Tourism Development Education Foundation Scholarship Fund or Jim Gaston Scholarship Fund at ASU.
Arrangements are by Roller Funeral Home.
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73 Condolence(s)
Linda Leininger
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
I Had the privalage to work for jim and Jill at gastons, and was very much glad to be a part of the staff there.
He Has done alot for the community and will be missed.
Linda Welch
I pray for the family
Nick
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
A great man, a great legacy. Rest in peace my friend.
Bob Griffith
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Jim made a difference in anything he was involved in, his tireless efforts for Arkansas tourism will be missed as will his prescence by all who knew him.
Andra Nosari
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Jill,
Sending you and Phillip all my love and sympathy.
Dale and Linda King
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
You will be missed your family are in our prayers
Joseph and Kelly King
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
you will be missed your family are in our prayers
carolyn king
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
you will be greatly missed it was great working for you
Meisha "Andy" Cherry
Monday, July 20, 2015
I spent some wonderful years working in the front office of Gaston's. It was an honor to know Jim he was a good man who truly cared about the people who worked for him and he cared about his customers and about the quality of their stays.
i extend to Jill, Clint and Phillip and all of the Family my heartfelt and deepest sympathy on your loss of this one of a kind man.
Sincerely,
Andy
LUANNE
Monday, July 20, 2015
Jim I will miss u so much. You were a great man, mentor and friend. You were the best boss
anyone good ask for. You made me laugh and we all had great times. It is those times I will treasure. Jill I am always here for you. Lots of Love and Hugs to you.
love u alot Luanne Larson
Susan Wirth
Monday, July 20, 2015
I met Jim thru fountain pens. In the early 90s limited editions were being introduced
each more expensive than the last
Pens that were never intended to be USED.
Jim was approached about acquiring a new LE model retailing at $50,000 EACH.
He responded,
Heck NO! I sell PENSnot luxury cars.
Jim was an extraordinary person with a finely honed practical intelligence.
He said no matter how successful you become
you must always remember who brung you to the dance!
Don Kusterer
Monday, July 20, 2015
What a genuine and gracious gentleman and friend! We talked every year on his birthday following our visit with my sons for one of the best and most relaxing times of my life. Spent a couple of hours together talking fountain pens, when there was much to do for him.
You couldn't be with Jim and not have his full attention no matter what else was going on. You were the most important person in his world when you were with him. I am blessed to have had him as a friend and a part of my life, and will miss him as will all those folks he ever met. Jim never knew a stranger.
Jerry & Dianne Herman
Monday, July 20, 2015
We will keep Jim in our prayers. Our deepest sympathy to all the family.
God Bless.
Bob Kelley
Saturday, July 18, 2015
Jim was one of the best people to work for. All our sympathy and prayers goes out to the Gaston family.
Mike and Dianna Roller
Saturday, July 18, 2015
To Jim's family,
We are so sorry to hear about Jim's passing. We extend to you our deepest and heart felt sympathy. He was a classic. He will be missed by all who were lucky enough to have known and loved him. Please accept our condolences. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
When we bought a business in Bull Shoals, Jim was the first person we visited with. He gave his advice and was very encouraging. Later, we received a hand written thank you note from him saying he appreciated our visit. That was very special and we will always remember his kindness.
Sincerely,
Mike and Dianna Roller
Tamara king
Friday, July 17, 2015
Jill and clint,
I am so sorry to hear about jim's passing. Ive known him my whole life n grew up down at gastons working with my family. I will truely miss jim and all his stories. You two are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Tamara and Wesley King
Tony
Friday, July 17, 2015
Saw a red jeep headed up into the high country out west. a very smart dog and a camera on the passenger seat. The driver had a pistola in his boot and a smile on his face.
Vaya Con Dios Amigo!
Thank you for everything you did for our Park Rangers, they are safer because of you.
Tony
Rose Maschek
Friday, July 17, 2015
Jim--lover of nature, photography and education. A chance meeting at Gaston's Nature Trail turned into a friendship and many hours of sharing. I will miss you.
Tim and Joy Phillips
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Tim and I were so sad to hear of the loss of this great man. He will be missed by so many. RIP Jim we will always keep you in our HEARTS
Charlene Mahan Schlotzhauer
Thursday, July 16, 2015
A true legend of our time that taught everyone that you can do it "right"and people will come back. That is exactly what his staff did for the Ben & Lena Quick family when we had our family reunions at the resort. Everyone loved it. It was a reflection of a simple person with a can do attitude we all learned from. My sympathies to the family, A deep hole that will never be filled, but love will always fill your heart!
Thanks for the memories, Jim. Our family will deeply miss you!
Jamie Burns
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
My late husband took me to Gaston's probably 10 years ago for the first time. What a magical place it is. I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Gaston's passing. His love of the beauty of nature will last forever. Rest in peace, Sir. You will be missed by more people than you know. God Bless.
Richard Mills
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Very sorry to hear of Jim's passing. The last time I visited Gaston's Resort as part of an airport inspection, he spent an extra amount of time with me just "visiting" and telling stories. He always made me feel welcome. It is my family's prayer that the Gaston family receive great comfort and peace as you go through this chapter in your lives.
Patrick Ballard
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Jim will be sorely missed.
Eden cowart
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Found memories as a little girl going to your house and resort. You always had a pat of nature around. Your pet flying squirrel and fawn. I always wanted to go up in one of your planes and you do tricks in them like you did with my dad. Thanks Jim
Neva Foster Smith
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
So sorry to hear of Jims passing. I had the honor of working for him at the resort cleaning cabins, and he was a great boss, always smiling and very kind. R.I.P Mr. Gaston. YOU WILL BE MISSED AND NEVER FORGOTTEN. Praying for the family.
Brenda Johnson
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Jim always had such a good humor and was ready to help anyone who needed pointers in photography. His love of the out doors was something that drew many to him over the years. I always felt honored to be classed among his friends. He will be missed by so many in so many fields. My deepest sympathy to all of the family. May God bless you each.
Denean (Blalock) Green
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
My deepest condolences to Jill and family. I so admired Mr. Gaston, he was the nicest, most respectful person you could meet and your hospitality was always top notch. I have great memories of The Great American Air Circus days and that beautiful resort. Prayers of comfort for you.
LeeAnna Blalock-Frank
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
I knew Jim as a child. He and my Dad, Kenny Blalock, flew in The Great American Air Circus together. I remember him being funny and very kind.
Teresa VanWinkle
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Will always remember Jim as a warrior for the State of AR and the conservation of our rivers. The love of his dogs.
Honored to be a friend.
Respectfully, Teresa "TBird" VanWinkle
Babette
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Velara Crownover Harris
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
I remember Jim when he was just a teen ager coming down to the resort,and cruising the streets and roads of Marion,and Baxter County.
Always ,a very careing and respectful person.
Have a lot of good memories of him up through the years,and considered him as a good friend.We could always share some good stories of life on theWhite River.
Love and Prayers to All
Velara
tina unger
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
So sorry to hear of Jims passing, I feel privileged to have been apart of his Beautiful Resort that he built and spent his life to make awesome memories for so many folks to come and enjoy. His love for animals says it all about his compassionate personality. Thank You Mr Jim Gaston for all you did for the Ozark community and all the people you touched in your time here. you will be missed!
Jean and Stan Rura
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Jill, Clint and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all . I feel like I just lost another member of our family. I worked at Gastons for 17 years and they were the greatest people that you would ever want to work for. I can just hear Manford when he sees Jim come through the Pearly Gates. Rest in Peace, Jim
Mary Nida Smith
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
He will be missed. I so enjoyed sharing photographs with him of the resort and this area and commenting on Facebook. He loved to talk about the good old days.
Eugenia&dale Morris
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
He was the best boss and friend, going to miss him
Dick and Arlene Lee
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
We wish to express our sympathy to Jill and his family and resort workers. We worked alongside Jim in the OMR tourist organization for nearly 20 years when we owned a local resort. Jim was the most gracious person we ever met. His contributions to the area will keep his memory in all our minds forever.
Norm Allen
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
I am thankful for knowing Jim and the advice and wisdom that he was so free in sharing when asked. He was a motivating encourager to me when we started TV19 many years ago and always offered hi assistance. He stood in the City Council chambers in Bull Shoals and gave a public statement of support for me that I shall forever be grateful. Jim Gaston will be living in the sound of the White River and in the hearts of all who love it for generations to come because of his servant heart.
Margaret Zarnke
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
My sincere sympathy for your loss. Gone before it was time. My thanks to him for all the memories in my 25 years at the resort. Bless you all.
Steve and Jo Wilson
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Jim Gaston was a great friend and ally over the years. He was instrumental in passing the conservation sales tax and getting the minimum flow regime established for the White and Norfork Rivers. Of course his leadership in the tourism industry is legendary. He was an Arkansas natural resource who will certainly be missed.
Merle Sharick
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Jill and Clint and family--
Although we did not see each other often, Jim and I became friends in 1979 when my company had a meeting at Gaston's and I subsequently helped Jim with a business transaction. We have stayed in touch one way or the other since. He was a mentor and a real friend in times of need. Jim had strong beliefs he put into innovative action and, a belief in doing the right thing and the pursuit of excellence--whether it was related to the resort, pens, family, philanthropy, photography, computer/web efforts, etc., etc.
What a success story! Our admiration for Jim will live on always!
Mary Petty
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Jim will be greatly missed by many. Jim did a lot for the area. I worked at Gaston's many years he was good to me.
God Bless His Family
Norman Martin
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
What a great Gentleman for our area, thought only of the welfare of others. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
L Gray
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
My condolences to the family at this very difficult time. Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. May you find comfort in God's word the Bible at Revelation 21:3,4.
Michael T McIver
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
May God rest your soul and help find comfort for your loved ones. Thanks for your many contributions to tourism both personally and professionally.
The photographic community has lost one of its most dedicated contributors and enthusiasts. The aviation community salutes you on your final flight westbound!
Rest in Peace,
Captain Michael "Mike" T. McIver
Delta Air Lines, Inc.
Kathy White
Monday, July 13, 2015
To Jill and Family:
My Sincerest Sympathy to you. Jim was a wonderful man and friend. His memory will long live on.
Tammy Rocheleau
Monday, July 13, 2015
There are no words that can begin to describe what a astronomical asset Jim was to this area, or for Arkansas as a whole for that matter! Everything he did, he did with passion and excellence! There was no half way with Jim either do it right or don't do it. He absolutely did it right! He'll be missed dearly, what an awesome man!
Michael and Phyllis Selby
Monday, July 13, 2015
Jim was a giant in the White and North Fork Rivers Outfitter's Association and a true pioneer in our tourism industry. He was always willing to help and we at Wildcat Shoals Resort were blessed by his advice and assistance over almost three decades of friendship. Our sincere condolences to his family and his associates in this difficult time. As the White river came up today I couldn't help but wonder if the rise was a little higher because of the extra tears. Thank you Jim.
Amanda Alman
Monday, July 13, 2015
It was heartbreaking to hear of Jim's passing. He was one of a kind. Jim was so kind and such a genuine person. He will be greatly missed by many! He would always ask how I was doing and I would ask him and it never failed he would reply "Good! I got out of bed this morning !" I bet he is heaven taking pictures with Manford.💕 Jill, you are in our prayers, as well as the rest of the family🙏
Althea & Ronald Prevost
Monday, July 13, 2015
Sorry to hear of Jim,s passing. Our condolences to the Gaston family. Visited the resort many times. We are sure he will be missed.
Susie Bland Magie
Monday, July 13, 2015
Gaston' s will always be synonymous with the character and integrity of Mr. Jim Gaston. His vision helped lead others on AR Parks and Tourism, he will be missed!
T. O. Galloway
Monday, July 13, 2015
So sorry to hear about Jim. He was a great guy. I was the
Postmaster at Lakeview in the 90's. He would come by
and we had some good talks. I lost my wife in May 2013.
Jill I will say a prayer for you and the family. Hello to Ron
if he is still around. If I get back up that way I will try to stop by and say Hello.
T. O. Galloway
Phone 870-586-6211
Leisa stephens
Monday, July 13, 2015
Truly a kind caring soul. A pleasure to have known you.
Cliff & Tammy Rooker
Monday, July 13, 2015
Jim was a great Ozark Ambassador. Thoughts and prayers going up for his family.
Nancy Keegan
Monday, July 13, 2015
Jim was a wonderful person and will be missed.
Helen Tyreee
Monday, July 13, 2015
I'm so very sorry!!!! Jim RIP!! I'm going to miss you! Your posts in Facebook!!! My prayers go out you your family and friends!! What a great person you are and what a difference you made in our community!!!!!
Michael & Ray Sizemore
Monday, July 13, 2015
What a legacy Mr. Gaston leaves behind. He will live on for centuries in Gaston Resorts and the entire state of Arkansas. Mike and I are praying for his lovely family and all the employee's that he considered his family.
Marita Dykes
Monday, July 13, 2015
Dear Jill and Family ,my thoughts and Prayers are with you and yours,Jim was a great Man and he will be missed for many years to come ,he was one of a kind, a true Gentleman!!,
with deepest Sympathy, Rita Dykes
Janie Purdom
Monday, July 13, 2015
What a legacy Jim leaves, not only for our area, but for the entire state. It has been a great privilege to be associated with the visitors center that he loved and was so humbly proud of after working tirelessly to see it built. My condolences to Jill, all his family and his many, many friends.
Susan Covington
Monday, July 13, 2015
We are going to miss Jim Gaston in our area. Jim did so much for this mountain place. You were once a great boss. God Bless, Prayers to all your loved ones.
Gene Merrill/Aleta Newberry
Monday, July 13, 2015
A community leader who will be missed by this area. So sorry for your loss, our thoughts are with your family.
bob novotny
Monday, July 13, 2015
a friend of mine,and a friend of all vetrans. rest in heaven
Debi Barnes
Monday, July 13, 2015
Dear Jill, I was shocked and saddened when I saw that Jim has died. What a great man he was! I will have you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Fondly, Debi Barnes
Becky Catron
Monday, July 13, 2015
I worked for Mr. Gaston as a housekeeper and he was always very nice to me. I know he will be missed dearly!
Pam Evans
Monday, July 13, 2015
I was so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I have such fond memories of staying at Gaston's and visiting with him and listening to him tell stories about his dogs, photography, nature, etc... He always had something to say and didn't know a stranger. I also loved conversing with him on Facebook and seeing his beautiful photographs that he would post. He will be missed very much. Sending sympathy, condolences and prayers to his family. Sincerely, Pam Evans
Bonnie Jacoby
Monday, July 13, 2015
Jill and Family (including the great resort staff)--
Our family has spent Labor Day weekend at the resort for the last 22 years. It's a family tradition.
On those trips, I so enjoyed getting to meet with Jim. I work for Arkansas Business, so it was a meeting of business, and catching up...including a few political discussions. And he was so proud of the Business Executive of the Year award he won.
He truly was a great ambassador for tourism in the state and am proud to say I knew him.
Thoughts and prayers for each of you in the days to come.
Bonnie Jacoby
Bob & Mary Walker
Monday, July 13, 2015
Jim will be missed. He did so much for our community,
not only tourism and fishing, but all he did for ASU-MH both in education and the arts. His photography will be a lasting memorial to his spirit and love of nature and this great state of Arkansas.
RONDELL & JANE HARRISON
Monday, July 13, 2015
FAMILY AND FRIENDS,
A GOOD MAN AND FRIEND..PASSED OVER TO A GREAT REWARD...WILL BE SORELY MISSED.
Barbara walls
Monday, July 13, 2015
I am so very sorry for your loss, Jim was one of a Kind and a truly wonderful man, have many happy memories of him, may God Bless each and everyone one of you through this difficult time
walter & ann lundgren
Monday, July 13, 2015
To Jill and family,
Our sympathies on Jim's passing. Worked at the resort in early sixties after retiring. Was a pleasant time.
Regards, Walter & Ann Lundgren
Linda Burlingame
Monday, July 13, 2015
Such sad news. Jim was a remarkable gentleman; I so enjoyed working with him (with AY magazine).
My condolences to his family and also to his staff, many who have worked with him for so many years!
Linda Burlingame
Patty Kotlicky
Monday, July 13, 2015
So sorry to hear of the Jim's passing! He was one in a million, that's for sure. His dedication to fishing, the local environment, boosting tourism and business in the Twin Lakes Area and Arkansas as a whole has impacted more lives than we'll ever know. And with all his accomplishments, awards and success, Jim Gaston remained one of the nicest people you could ever meet. Additionally, I always enjoyed checking my Facebook page and seeing his wonderful photography on the news feed. My sincerest sympathies go out to his family and his extended family of employees at his resort. Jim may be gone, but he will certainly not be forgotten...
Bob Shaffer
Monday, July 13, 2015
Jim was not only a true gentleman but a great friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I will miss you sir.
Paula Roddy
Monday, July 13, 2015
so very very sorry for your loss
what a legacy to leave behind
sincere sympathy
Paula Roddy
Richard Jahrling
Monday, July 13, 2015
Jim never let me refer to myself as an employee. Rather, he referred to me as "Friend". Rest in peace, my friend, you will be forever missed.