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Food Bank Named After Basketball Star’s Father, Pastor James T. Gilliam

By: Colette Dell

On August 15, family and friends dedicated the Miner’s Park basketball court in Bethel Park, to the late NBA player, Armen Gilliam, and on August 16, his mother, Alma Gilliam, dedicated her food bank to her husband and Armen’s father, the late Rev. James T. Gilliam.

Armen Gilliam

Armen played basketball for Bethel Park high school and for UNLV in his college years. In 1987, he went pro with the NBA and played for the Phoenix Suns. He later went on to play for the Charlotte Hornets, the Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, Utah Jazz, and the New Jersey Nets. Armen ended his career with the NBA in 2000, playing professional for a total of 13 years. From 2001-2005, he coached basketball for Penn State and in 2005 he returned to the court to play for Pittsburgh Xplosion for one year.

Armen passed away suddenly in 2011 at the age of 47 of cardiac monopoly while playing a pick-up basketball game at a local LA Fitness, and this year, on August 15, Armen was remembered by all those who attended the basketball court dedication to him.

There was a short ceremony that began around 12 p.m. and several family and friends came forward to say a few words in Armen’s memory, as well as a couple public officials.

The mayor of Bethel Park, Jack Allen, said he was glad to be there for a person who helped put Bethel Park on the map and that the memorial was a great tribute for a great athlete who went onto the NBA.

Two of Armen’s brothers spoke. Javan Gilliam stated, “This is an emotional time, but it’s also a celebration.” Then, Jerrel Gilliam stepped forward to say a little about his brother, recalling the days when he, his brothers, and neighbor kids would play basketball at that court in Miner’s Park, and he wanted the court to be dedicated to everyone in the community for years to come.

“I just want to dedicate this court and this space to my brother and to the people of this community, and that it would be an ongoing memorial for this community,” Jerrel said.

The Gilliam family, gathered around Armen Gilliam's memorial stone

Armen’s father, James T. Gilliam, who was the pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church, now called Shiloh Church, where Jerrel is currently pastor, was a pastor for over 40 years. He passed away in 2013.

He and his wife Alma started a food bank 46 years ago, in 1969, which is located next door to Shiloh Church, and following church service on August 16, there was a ceremony to celebrate the opening of the newly renovated food bank and the dedication of it to Rev. James Gilliam.

After service, Alma stood at the front of the church and called several people to the front who faithfully helped her with the food bank over the years. She also remembered others who helped who are no longer with them.

As the ceremony moved next door to where the food bank is for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, manager of the South Park supervisors Karen Fosbaugh opened with a small speech.

“We are here today, not only to dedicate the renovated Shiloh Food Bank, but to also honor Pastor James Gilliam for his many years of service to the community,” Fosbaugh said.

She went on to say that Rev. Gilliam recognized that the temporal body needed fed as well as the spiritual, and that he fulfilled his ministry in both. “Now, we celebrate the continuation of what he began 46 years ago,” she said.

Jerrel and his mother Alma stood by the door that leads to the food bank, and right before the ribbon cutting, Jerrel shared a few words about his father.

The Shiloh Food Bank has been re-named after James T. Gilliam

“I just want to honor the legacy of my father and that he would always point to Jesus…and it’s all about knowing Him.”

Following the ceremony, all were invited to a lunch served at the church by church members.

Alma shared her gratitude to all who came to both ceremonies, thanking all for coming.