JAMES GERALD "JERRY" LaBARBA Sr.

JERRY LABARBA (JAMESGERALD, SR.)Jerry passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of November 27, 2009, after a lovely Thanksgiving Day spent with family and dear friends. He had battled a number of very serious health problems for years; always with valiant courage and without complaint. He was a portrait of strength to his family and we are so blessed by his time spent here on earth.Jerry was born on April 26, 1936 in Dallas, TX. He was integrated into a large and loving Italian family and early on developed his tremendous wit and captivating personality. These traits carried him through life and served him well. Jerry spent his teenage years in Corpus Christi, TX. He graduated from Ray High School, attended Delmar Jr. College and graduated from Texas A&I University (now A&M/Kingsville). Jerry moved to Houston in the mid 1970's. He formed and headed several companies in the Oil and Gas Industry and had a very successful career for many years.Jerry lived an incredibly full life. Through the best and worst of times he always stood tall amongst men. He was an avid sportsman. He played softball in his youth. He was an All-American excellent marksman shooter with Tapa and was on the shooting circuit for many years. Jerry had a reputation as one of the best shots in the country at that time. He took up golf at the age of 50 and ultimately became a 7 handicap golfer. In later years fishing became his sport of pleasure. There were grand travels to exciting places. Jerry's competitive, positive spirit was a driving force in his life and stayed with him to the end. He made it a good life.There were no strangers in Jerry's life. He had the uncanny ability to walk into a room and capture an audience with his repertoire of jokes and hilarious stories, all of which often took on a life of their own over the years. This funny man will be terribly missed by those who knew and loved him. He had a kind heart, the most generous spirit and was always ready to listen or lend a hand to those who needed him. He touched many lives and made a huge difference in the world; always in a quiet, understated way. His grandchildren were his joy and he was their hero. Jerry and his wife, Cheryl, had a wonderful life together and he leaves a lasting legacy of truly great memories.Jerry leaved behind to cherish his memory, Cheryl, his devoted wife: Son: James LaBarba, Jr., wife Michelle & grandchildren, Kristen and Alexis. Daughter: Alice LaBarba & grandchild, Mary Elizabeth Adams & Eric, & great-grandchildren, Nathaniel & Jade. Sister: Judy Carol Gilbreath, Courtney & Brian Edwards, Daniel & Maddy, Jason Gilbreath & Laura. Stepfather: Robbie Robertson, & multitudes of Italian relatives that he adored. His extended family: Annette & Charley Westercom & grandchildren, Bailey & Chandler, as well as Jackson & Billy Richardson. His mother-in-law, Lorraine Fields, was a special gift in his life. His family also included Lana & Luis Salinas, Layne & Karl Gross, Catherine, Meyson & Kara: Jana & Don Sweitzer, Gavin, Ava & Emmy; Diana Lucas, Kevin, Rod & Jabe: Andrea & Nash Baker, Carson; Deborah Fields; Jerry Stubblefield; Steve Fields & James; Teri & Cliff Irons, Cheryl & Jason Thibodeaux, Jackson, Chloe, Lexi, &Violet. Jerry also leaves behind a multitude of very precious friends to celebrate his life. The family would especially like to thank Dr. Oscar Rosales, Cardiologist, for his wonderful care of Jerry the last few years. He made everything easier and we are grateful for his kind and caring manner.There will be a graveside service at 10 am, December 9, 2009, at Woodlawn Cemetery, 1101 Antoine at I 10, 77055, 713-682-3663. This service will be officiated by Mandy Seymour, who is also a very special extended member of Jerry's family. Anyone who would like to join the family is more than welcome to do so. There will be a Celebration of Jerry's life at Unity Church of Christianity at 11:30am, 2929 Unity Dr., Houston, TX 77057, 713-782-4050. The service will be conducted by Reverend Howard Caesar. The celebration will continue at 12:30pm during a reception also to be held at Unity Church. Bring you great LaBarba stories and memories with you to share.In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jerry's honor be sent to the National MS Society/Lone Star Chapter, 1310 Richmond, Ave., Houston, Tx 770068967; McCord-Turbeville/Ray High School Scholarship Fund, c/o Don West, UBS, 3000 Briarcrest Dr., Bryan, TX 77802-3054; or to the charity of your choice.