James F. Gibbs

HICKORY - James Filmore Gibbs, 79, passed away Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009, at Palliative CareCenter & Hospice of Catawba Valley. Mr. Gibbs was born June 26, 1930, in Spruce Pine to the late William Arthur and Kate Blaylock Gibbs. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers and three sisters. He was a veteran, having served in both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force and participated in the Korean conflict. Mr. Gibbs loved fishing and spending time with his family and his grandchildren. He was a member of Oakland Heights Baptist Church and retired from Century Furniture as a supervisor. Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Jean Katherine Mull Gibbs of the home; two sons, James "Jimmy" Gibbs and Samuel "Sam" Gibbs, both of Hickory; and grandchildren, Jordan, Brandon, Gavin, Corben, Alexis and Peyton Gibbs. The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, at Bass-Smith Funeral Home chapel, with Pastor Joel Cook officiating. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery with military honors by American Legion Post 48 of Hickory. Pallbearers will be Jordan and Brandon Gibbs, Andy and Darren Winkler, Juan Angulo and Mark Denton. Memorials may be made to Palliative CareCenter & Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, N.C. 28658. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.bass-smithfuneralhome.com. Bass-Smith Funeral Home & Crematory in Hickory is serving the family of James Filmore Gibbs.