James Gibbs

James Louis Gibbs rode into this world on March 14, 1935 and crossed over the range to cowboy heaven on November 8, 2016.
Born and raised in Lake, MS, he was the son of the late Oscar Austin and Virginia Wheeler Gibbs. He attended Lake Attendance Center. He lived most of his life as a resident of Scott County only leaving Mississippi for a few years while working in the oil fields of Texas.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother -Willie Bob Gibbs, his sister – Mae Bell Gibbs Lopez, his son-in-law – Bob Wilkerson, and his niece – Lisa Gibbs Bradshaw.
He leaves behind his wife – Linda “Jackie” Gibbs of 63 years. His daughters, Darla Hammons (Brent) of Brandon, Donna Boykin (Anthony “Pete”) of Forest, Dannette Wilkerson (Jeff Carlisle) of Lake. His son, Daryll Gibbs (Kristi) of Forest.
Grandchildren - Kimberly Moses (Brandon) of Forest, Jadi Gibbs and Colt Gibbs of Forest.
Great Grandchildren - Briggs Moses and Destiny Moses of Forest.
Honorary Grandchildren – Brandon Yarbrough (Tuesday) of Lake, Patrick Yarbrough (Katie Boone) of Lake, Tanner Yarbrough of Lake.
Honorary Great Grandchildren – Martin Yarbrough, Peyton Yarbrough of Lake and many nieces and nephews who loved “Uncle Louis”.
Mr. Gibbs, known as Papa Gibbs or Pops, never met a person he didn’t like. That was one of his greatest gifts or talents – the ability to talk to any or everyone. If he spoke to you then he knew you and you became his friend. He had a special bond with children. They loved him and many called him Grandpa. Our family was always amazed at ball games, rodeos, or at restaurants at the number of children who ran to speak to Mr. Gibbs or hug his neck.
Pops was a cowboy by profession. He was tough as a lighter knot but he would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. Yes, cowboys do cry because “Gibbs” cried when he was happy or really sad. The big man had a heart as big as the State of Texas and had an eye for detail. He observed or noticed everything around him.
Gibbs started his cattle career working for the Fred Gaddis family running a cattle operation. He was the manager of the Big G Charolais Ranch for many years before going to work for Tadlock Stockyards. After 30 years at Tadlock, he retired but still wasn’t ready to slow down so he started rounding up cows for Farmers Livestock Marketing in Carthage.
Since Mr. Gibbs rode around the county a lot, he was always scouting out equipment for his pal, Corbert Hollingsworth or seeing who needed a barn or a shed built by another pal, Jorge Marian. He had special friends he checked on regularly – George Gardner, Edward Street, and Bud McGee.
Mr. Gibbs knew cows and always offered guidance or suggestion as to when to sell, how to doctor, which ones to keep. Another talent – Cow Sense. He served on the Board of Directors of the Scott County Cattlemen’s Association for many years. He was also a Board Members Emeritus of the Dixie National East Wagon Train. He was one of the first people in Scott County to join the wagon train that promoted the Dixie National Rodeo. He and the Agriculture Commissioner, Jim Buck Ross, were long time pals. Papa Gibbs loved riding horses and regretted when he had to stop riding due to medical issues. He made sure all his children and grandchildren knew how to ride horses. It took us a while to figure out we were his free ranch hands when herding cows, but it was also a way he got to spend time with his kids and keep us out of trouble.
Mr. Gibbs was of the Baptist faith and attended All Seasons Worship Center. He enjoyed Sunday services and getting to talk to everyone. He always went early so he got to visit with the church members. He enjoyed listening to the Praise Choir and always talked about how blessed he felt after their performance.
Mr. Gibbs was with us for 81 years. What a lifetime he had. He saw his four children go through school, graduate college, start their lives and careers. He was a part of all that – a real accomplishment for him. He had started seeing the grandchildren well on their way and even the great grandchildren. He was proud of every rope thrown, barrel or pole ran, every football caught, every dessert cooked, or every trip on the 4-wheeler around the house he watched by a grandchild or great grandchild. Pops was a part of it – smiling and bragging.
James Louis Gibbs was a friend to many, a hero to others, but a family with a heart full of love for those blessed to be lucky enough to call him Dad.