James Tibbs

James Robert Tibbs MARION, Va. James Robert Tibbs, age 79, passed away on Monday, Nov. 30, 2009, in the Smyth County Community Hospital. He was born in Nebo, Va., to the late Foy and Ruth Tibbs. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary Belle Tibbs; two brothers, Joe and Gerald Tibbs; and a grandson, Blake Dunavan. He had retired from Brunswick Defense Corporation after 35 years of service. He had formerly attended the Atkins First Church of God and was currently attending the Marion First Church of God. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, was an avid beekeeper and loved selling his honey. Survivors Include: one son, Darrell Tibbs, Marion; one daughter, Mary Jane Dunavan and husband Lonnie, Marion; one brother, Bill Tibbs and wife Mary, Windsor, N.C.; two sisters, Elaine Morris and husband Carl; his special sister and brother-in-law, Marion, VA, Lona Hoel, Pulaski, Va.; his grandchildren, Brent and Bobbie Dunavan, Brian Tibbs, Luke Tibbs, Brooke Dunavan; two special great-grandsons, Landon and Mason Dunavan; a special friend, Melvin "Punk" Powell. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009, from the Bradley's Funeral Home Chapel in Marion with Rev. William McCollian and Rev. Charlie Walker. Interment will follow in the Wassum Cemetery in Atkins. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Flowers will be accepted or memorial donations can be made to the Marion First Church of God, 419 Chatham Hill Road, Marion, VA 24354. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com Bradley's Funeral Home of Marion is serving the family of Mr. Tibbs.