James R Gibbs Sr.

James R. Gibbs Sr., age 73, of Stockbridge, GA, passed away Friday, July 15, 2016 after a heroic 7 month battle with a terminal illness. James, better known as “Jimmy”, was born on April 10, 1943 in Decatur, Georgia to his parents Ceedie and Mary, whom he adored. A graduate of Southwest Dekalb High School, Jimmy joined the family garage by starting Gibbs Body Shop when he was 19 years old. Gibbs Garage and Body Shop remained his “home away from home” for the rest of his life, where he continued to work 6 days/week until his illness became too great. Jimmy Gibbs lived life on his own terms, broke all the rules, and always stood his ground. This unique, wild, larger-than-life spirit is what drew people to him and why everyone loved him. You couldn’t help not to. His history was as colorful as a rainbow; filled with tales of fast cars, hard work, and beautiful women. There was not a boring bone in his body. He was also a loving son, brother, father, and grandfather. He loved his family deeply and was surrounded by their love in his final moments. He didn’t have any hobbies, he wasn’t the outdoors type, he just loved working on cars and, yes, he was the best. There will never be another one like him. Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents C.W. Gibbs Sr. and Mary Sprayberry Gibbs of Stockbridge, GA. He will be remembered by his four children James R. “Rusty” Gibbs Jr. and wife Kathy of Stockbridge, GA, Tami Gibbs DeFoor and husband Paul of Calhoun, GA, Todd Gibbs and wife Sandra of Calhoun,GA, and Jamie Gibbs Teal and husband Brad of Lawrenceville, GA; five grandchildren, Bruce DeFoor, Carson Gibbs, Noah Gibbs, Allie Teal, and Griffin Teal; two brothers Andy Gibbs and wife Nancy and Whitey Gibbs and wife Vicki of Stockbridge, GA, along with many extended family and friends. Memorial Services will be held at Horace A. Ward Funeral Home and Fairview Chapel beginning with visitation from 5-8 p.m. on Monday, July 18, 2016 and visitation 12-2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 19, 2016, with Funeral services beginning at 2:00 pm following Tuesday’s visitation.