James Edward Gibson

James Edward Gibson, age 90, a life long resident of Bradley County, passed away Monday, January 02, 2006 in a local healthcare facility. He was a member of First Baptist Church serving many years as a trustee. He was a 50 year member of the Institute of Management Accountants, an accountant association. After 46 ½ years he retired from Cleveland Tennessee Enamel Company, a division of Hardwick Stove which later became Maytag. He was an avid walker who had logged about 20,000 miles since the beginning of 1979. He enjoyed all sports and was awarded the honor of best athlete at Bradley Central High School in 1933. He was inducted into the Bradley County Sports Hall of Fame in 1987 Mr. Gibson was the son of the late, Nettie and E.L. Gibson and was also preceded in death by his brother, Dee Gibson; one nephew, Dee Gibson, Jr. and a niece, Jeanette Dockery. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Berta Hughes Gibson of Cleveland; three sons and spouses: Gary and Martha Gibson of Nashville, Steve and Katherine Gibson of Cleveland, and Jim and Mary Beth Gibson of Cleveland; fourteen grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren who were his joy in later life. He is also survived by one niece and spouse, Peggy and Ruel Ownbey and several great nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Thursday in the chapel of Ralph Buckner Funeral Home with Reverend Jim Gibson and Gary Gibson officiating. Interment will follow in Fort Hill Cemetery with Reverend Alan Lockerman officiating. Grandsons, Shane Gibson, Stan Gibson, Josh Gibson, John Gibson, Jonathan Gibson, Jake Gibson, Jay Gibson and Clay Smith will serve as pallbearers. The Manley Sunday School Class will serve as honorary pallbearers. A white dove release ceremony will conclude the service.