James "Gip" David Gibson

JAMES DAVID "Gip" GIBSON

James David “Gip” Gibson died February 17, 2022 Funeral Services were held on Sunday, February 20, 2021, at Artesia Baptist Church with burial at Memorial Garden Park in Starkville, MS.

Gip was born on August 22, 1952, to the late Cecil Turner Gibson, Sr. and Birdie Mae Coleman. He grew up in Columbus in a large and close knit family. Gip attended Lee High School and graduated from Caldwell High School in 1970. He was a long time member and deacon of Artesia Baptist Church where he married Debbie McCullough on August 5, 1973. They eventually made their home in the Artesia area. Gip loved the Lord, his church, and his church family.

From the time he graduated from high school, Gip worked at Puckett-McGee Electric Supply. He started as warehouse sales, then moved to outside salesman, and later became store manager; ultimately, purchasing the business in 1996. He truly loved to go to work every day. He loved his customers and friends.

Gip had a fun, outgoing personality. He loved his friends and loved nothing better than sharing stories and reminiscing. He had a talent for storytelling, the lucky ones were the ones that got to hear that story the 5th & 6th time because it got bigger and better every time. He was an avid deer hunter, but turkey hunting was his passion. Hunting was something he taught Wesley, his son, and something they enjoyed together.

Over many years he took many young boys on youth hunts to experience their first hunting experience. He was a good father to Wesley, always making time to take him hunting, coaching baseball and enjoying many activities together. They enjoyed having a close relationship. Gip also cherished his time with Wes’ daughter, Mary Leighton.

Gip is survived by his wife of 48 years, Debbie McCullough Gibson; son, Wesley Gibson (Rebecca); and his beloved granddaughter, Mary Leighton Gibson. He also leaves behind three sisters, Joyce Ann Morse, Saundra Doman (Ed) and Cissy Dodge (Ryan); sisters-in-law, Anita Phillips (Timmy) and Lisa Jeffcoat (Gerry); brothers-in-law, Gary Chiasson, Mark Winstead(Lisa) and Jason Winstead ( Sonja); and many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Rick McGill, Jimbo Smith, Lance Mitchner, Josh Shook, Adam Honshinger, Henry Cox Pilkinton, Mark Winstead and Jason Winstead.

Honorary pallbearers were Gerry Jeffcoat, Jerry Stennett, John Beasley, Darrius Lancaster, Derek Lowry, Dan Weathers, Bubba Randall, Alvin Lee, Lee Sanders, Ken Keanemore, Spencer Wallingford, Charlie Buck Pilkinton, Prentiss Johnson, Bubba Randall, Alvin Lee and Artesia Baptist Church Family.

Memorials to Artesia Baptist Church 310 West Artesia Road Artesia, MS 39736 and St Jude Children’s Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.