James Vernon Gillenwater was born on September the 27th, 1919 in Parker County, Texas, to James Earl and Bessie Mae Ford Gillenwater.

James Gillenwater fought with the 8th Infantry regiment, 4th Infantry Division, company F, and he died in Gey, Germany on November the 24th, 1944.

James was married to Linnie Merle Tuttle on June 27, 1940 in Sweetwater, Texas.

James Gillenwater had one daughter, Janice Lee.