ABILENE -- James Randall Gaskill, 66, died suddenly and peacefully Sunday, June 28, 2009. He was born June 15, 1943, in Abilene. Jim married his sweetheart and graduated from Kansas State University.

Jim's career led him around the country. He spent 15 years in the Arabian horse business and eight years at Jones Eye Clinic in Sioux City, Iowa, before finding his "home" at ICBC.

Jim was a man of deep faith and deep laughter. He was an avid game player and a dynamo on water skis. He enjoyed watching birds, making jokes, spoiling his grand kids, and cultivating his yard and garden. Most of all though, Jim loved people. His kindness, generosity and joy were always evident to friends and strangers, alike.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Candy Gaskill; children and their spouses, Jeremy and Karen Gaskill, Brad and Jill Gaskill, Kalie and Bob Jordan, and Kelsey and Jack Collins; sisters, Linda Kuntz and Lisa Peters; and grandchildren, Lauren, Luke, Davis and Lucy, who knew and loved his "Papa."

You were our rock, our friend, our biggest fan. You will be dearly missed.

Friends may call from 9 a.m. to service time Tuesday, July 6, at Danner Funeral Home, Abilene, followed by a graveside service at 1:30 p.m. in Abilene Cemetery, Abilene.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family to be allocated to appropriate charities, in care of the funeral home.