James "Jim" Franklin Westgate

James “Jim” F.  Westgate James “Jim” F. Westgate 85 of Lillian, AL peacefully went to his eternal home January 26, 2020 after a short illness.  Jim was born and raised in Bridgewater, MA.  He worked for 42 years doing overhead line construction work, working up to crew chief for several years. He loved being outdoors camping, RVing, fishing, boating, target shooting and hand loading, which was his main interest throughout his adult life. He also enjoyed his time as a private pilot and work at Adventureland Amusement Park for two years in Des Moines, Iowa. Jim loved his Lillian Methodist church and Optimist of Perdido Bay family. He was the unofficial weekly greeter and was always looking for hugs. He was a former member of the Old Colony Sportsman Club in Pembroke, M.A., and Styx River shooting club in Robertsdale, AL., and currently a member of the Pensacola Rifle and Pistol Club. He was preceded in death by his grandmother Maude Ellis,  Grandfather Thomas Ellis and Mother Emmeline Hope Westgate Copeland Squires; Daughters Laurie Marie Westgate Maddox Gilbert, Brother Kenneth Copeland, Sisters Sylvia Copeland Silver,  Lani Copeland, Karen Copeland Simmons  all of Middleborough, M.A., and Gail Copeland Perry of Bridgewater, M.A.   He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Priscilla D. Head Westgate, Sister  Dorothy Raposa  of Lakeville M.A., Daughter Mary-Jane Westgate Strickland (Joseph) of Berkeley M.A., Suzanne L. Westgate Heikkila (Leonard) of Middleborough M.A., Son James F. Westgate, Jr., of South Sutton N.H., Two granddaughters, Five grandsons, Five great granddaughters, Three great grandsons and several nieces and nephews. Jim’s quick wit, humor and hugs will be missed by all who knew him! He never met a stranger, was down to earth and a real people person. He treated everyone the same and looked for the good in everyone.  A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held February 23, 2020 at 2:00pm from Lillian United Methodist Church, 12770 S. Perdido St., Lillian, AL 36549 In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Lillian United Methodist Church’s “Good Neighbor Fund” (12770 S. Perdido St., Lillian, AL 36549) or Southern Hospice Care (101 Villa Dr., Daphne, AL 36526).  ARRANGEMENTS BY WOLFE-BAYVIEW FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY 2551 S. MCKENZIE ST. FOLEY, AL 36535 251-943-2391 www.wolfefuneralhomes.com