Kent "Gib" Gibson James

Kent Gibson “Gib” James entered this world just behind his twin brother Bill James in Oklahoma City on September 3, 1947, to George W. and Lyda Hayes James. He was the grandson of Dan and Ruby James and Margaret and Kent Hayes. Gib left this world on June 6, 2025, surrounded by his beautiful daughters Kristen and Kim, his loving son Jason, his adoring wife Jennifer, and his snuggly pup Willie Boy.

Gib is survived by his wife, Jennifer, his children, Kristen Creamer (husband Chuck), Kim Marable (husband Rob), Jason James (wife Carrie), and his grandchildren, Nathan Creamer (fiancee Maddie), Ethan Creamer, Reagan Creamer, Gibson Marable, and Stella Marable. He is also survived by his best friend and brother, Bill James, and his wife, Jamie; brother Grant James and his wife, Marcee; and brother Jeff James and his partner, Marinda. Gib is also survived by his nieces and nephews (each of whom was important to him): Kent James, Jessie Hess, Taylor James, Dan James, Brooke James, Will James, Holt James, and their families. He also leaves behind his 100-year-old aunt, Dannie B Hightower, and many cousins.

Gib and his brother Bill spent their early years growing up in Crown Heights, attending Edgemere Heights Elementary before moving on to Casady. When they were ten years old, in 1957, their world was besieged by two more twin brothers, Jeff and Grant. Around that time, their parents built “Out of Bounds,” a beautiful home on the golf course of Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club. For many years, it was the “hot spot” for their friends, their parents' friends, and their family. In their teens, Gib and Bill were sent to separate boarding schools. Gib landed at St. Andrew’s in Boca Raton, Florida, where he made several lifelong friends, two of whom followed him to OU and the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity.

Gib and his brothers were blessed to spend their childhood summers in Harbor Springs, Michigan, together with their parents, both sets of grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many other families who also began going there after their grandfather, Dan James, bought a home there on Lake Michigan. Gib and Jennifer, along with their children and grandchildren, as well as many of their friends and family, still enjoy this beautiful area.

While attending OU, although he was underage, Gib was able to obtain a beer license and opened “Chances Are,” which became the now-famous O’Connell’s. As a successful restaurateur, his next endeavors included two Brigadoon Supper Clubs, one in Nichols Hills and one in the newly opened tunnel downtown in Oklahoma City, as well as the St. James Infirmary and Piano Bar, and Out of Bounds Hamburgers at North Park Mall. After leaving the restaurant business, he worked in restaurant sales & design, and other independent businesses.

Gib loved all sports (well, except hockey) but especially OU sports. He held season tickets for over 50 years. Gib was known for his ability to recall nearly any OU game, the scores, the team, the leading players, and the critical plays. Before the internet, if someone needed information on sports, such as the odds, the spread, or simply who he was picking to win the game, they would call Gib.

His family will sorely miss Gib and many friends for his dry wit, but especially for his generosity. Because of his and his family’s background in the hospitality business, he was especially generous to all types of service people. There may be a bartender/waitstaff or two here today. He will also be remembered by many of Jason’s friends whom he mentored during his life.

Gib also gave to many charity organizations, always including the schools that his grandchildren were attending. In lieu of flowers, it would please him to donate to the local Humane Society, Make A Wish Foundation, Wings Non-Profit of Edmond, or Tunnel to Towers.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 1:00 pm, in the Chapel at Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.