James Michael Gerbig

Visitation will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Memorial Funeral Chapel at 2901 Texas Avenue South, followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Chris Osborne and Rev. Jeff Gage officiating. Interment will follow at College Station Cemetery.

Mike was born May 10, 1954, in Little Rock, Ark., to James M. and Marion A. Gerbig. He graduated from R.S. Sterling High School in Baytown, Texas and he had attended Texas A&M University. Mike had spent many years as a Texas Forest Service firefighter. Most recently, he worked in real estate leasing.

On October 2, 2010, Mike married Valerie Noyes Johnson, but their time together was tragically cut short. Mike loved fishing and doing anything outdoors. A great storyteller with an infectious laugh, he never met a stranger who didn't become a friend. He also loved playing with his "kids," cats Mato and Sadie. He is survived by his parents, Jim and Marion, his wife, Valerie, and stepchildren, Emily and Ryan Johnson. He is also survived by his sister, Jan, and brother-in-law, Don Connealy. In addition, he had a special love for his aunts Martha Gerbig, Gaye Watts and Valerie Wilson and his uncles Edward Turner and Chuck Turner and his wife Mary, and numerous other relatives.

Mike was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, William and Callie Gerbig, his maternal grandparents, Spurgeon Turner and Elsie Scott, and beloved uncles, Willie Joe Gerbig and John Watts.

Pallbearers will be Micki Baudoin, Donnis Baggett, Don Connealy, Mark Skinner, Larry Turner and Ben Winkle. Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Gerbig, Jerry Harris and Chuck Turner.

The family would like to thank Dr. Usha Venkatraj and her wonderful staff in addition to the many "angels in disguise" who supported Mike with their prayers and love.

Rest in peace, Mike. We will miss you, but we know someday we will all be reunited.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society at 3207 Briarcrest Drive Bryan, TX 77802 or HOPE adoption and rescue center at P.O. Box 545 Hearne, TX 77859.