UPSHUR COUNTY - CREMATION GILMER – Memorial services for Colonel James Weldon “Jim” Eitel, Sr., USA (Ret.), 82 of Gilmer will be at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, October 24, 2015, at Croley Funeral Home Chapel in Gilmer with Chaplain Don Smith, Reverend Huey Jones, Porter Click, and Judge Lauren Parish officiating. Services are under the direction of Croley Funeral Home. Colonel Eitel passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2015 in Tyler. He was born on July 22, 1933, in Trout, LA to Hardy Dee and Alma Brister Eitel. He is survived by his son, James Eitel Jr. and wife, Aimee of Pritchett; brother, Billy “Bull” Eitel and wife, Carolyn of Pritchett; grandchildren, Hunter Eitel, Pierce Eitel, and Mackenzie Eitel. Colonel Eitel was preceded in death by his parents and wife, June Yvonne Huff Eitel of Arlington VA. Memorial contributions can be made to Big Sandy FFA – P.O. Box 598 Big Sandy, TX. 75755. Family will receive friends at 1:00 P.M. until time of service at the funeral home. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Croley Funeral Home in Gilmer.