John H. Gilchrist Jr.

February 4, 1937 - January 8, 2022

John H. Gilchrist, Jr., lifetime resident of Alexandria, Louisiana, passed away peacefully in his home on January 8, 2022. John was born on February 4, 1937 to John H. Gilchrist and Emma Rose Bordelon Gilchrist who preceded him in death along with his brother, Preston Eugene Gilchrist. A loving husband, father, “Gramps” and friend, John is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jimmie Lynn Pourcy Gilchrist; his three children, Steve Gilchrist (Gail), Randy Gilchrist (Jenifer), and Missy Gilchrist Sterritt (Tim); his nine grandchildren, Joey Gilchrist (April), Brittany Gilchrist (Sean), Robert Sterritt (Bethany), Scott Sterritt (Sara), Allyson Sterritt Jarreau (Jace), Ashley Sterritt Majors (Andrew), Stephani Gilchrist (Chris), Katherine Gilchrist, and David Gilchrist, and several nieces and nephews. His title of beloved “Gramps” also extended to twelve great-grandchildren, Bryson Sterritt, Henderson Gilchrist, Timothy Sterritt, Reid Sterritt, Adam Majors, Rylie Jarreau, Jacob Sterritt, Ansley Majors, Holden Gilchrist, Austin Jarreau, Brooklyn Sterritt, and Collins Jarreau. John served with the City of Alexandria Fire Department for 20 years. After retiring, he founded Gilchrist Construction Company where he remained active and involved until the age of 82. John was known for his sense of humor and for his passion for business ventures around Alexandria. He treasured time with his grandchildren, including “teaching” them to drive and instilling the love of Sunday morning donuts in many of them. John loved spoiling his great-grandchildren with attention (and ice cream). An enduring part of his legacy will be the many meaningful family traditions he created that will continue to be observed and honored by his children, grandchildren, and now great-grandchildren. John encouraged others to choose happiness and proved there is value in a cup of coffee and good conversation shared between friends and family alike. He was eager to assist his family, friends or colleagues in whatever challenges they faced. His loving nature will be greatly missed by so many. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, in the chapel of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home with Rev. Todd Strain officiating. Interment to follow at Greenwood Memorial Park. Visitation will begin on Monday, January 10, 2022, from 4:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and will resume on Tuesday, from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Pallbearers honored to serve will be Joey Gilchrist, Robert Sterritt, Scott Sterritt, David Gilchrist, Jace Jarreau, Andrew Majors, and Bobby Claiborne. The family would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to all of those who provided care for John, as well as the staff of Compassionate Care Hospice. To extend online notes of condolence to the Gilchrist Family, please visit www.KramerFunerals.net.