Cmsgt (Ret) James "Jimmy" Clyde Gibson, Jr.

CMSGT (Ret) James “Jimmy” Clyde Gibson, Jr., 83, of Salem, AL died Monday, February 15, 2021 at Phenix City Health Care Facility, in Phenix City, AL.  Services will be held at the Riverdale Cemetery Pavilion on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 with Rev. Tommy Gibbs officiating.  In keeping with the efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 facemask and social distancing will be required during the services.

Jimmy was born October 9, 1937 in Columbus, GA to the late James Clyde Gibson, Sr. and Agnes Marie Gibson.  Jimmy was a 1960 graduate of Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science degree and a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma with a Master of Education degree.  Additional post graduate studies followed.

Jimmy Gibson entered the U.S. Air Force in 1961 and retired in 1984 after rising to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant.  His specialty was training and education and resulted in his administering and establishing training and education programs on numerous air bases. CMSGT Gibson’s service posts included Thailand during the Vietnam Conflict, the Pentagon, Okinawa, and many others.   After his Air Force career, Jimmy fulfilled a second career as an agent in the insurance industry.

In 1966 CMSGT married Margaret May Wright and was with his beloved wife until her passing on May 22, 2009.  He was a member of  Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Smiths Station, AL where he served as Church Historian, teacher, and lay speaker.  His Church was precious to him.

CMSGT Gibson was an avid historian and performed extensive research into his family history, Civil War history in East Central Alabama, West Central Georgia, and the Chattahoochee River Valley, and the Christian faith.  He authored numerous writings on these subjects.

He was an Auburn Tiger fan and a Christian soldier of great faith.

CMSGT James Clyde Gibson, Jr. was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Margaret May Gibson, and his brother Robert Nelson Gibson. He is survived by his sister Mary Ann Gibson Gibbs (James), his brother Calvin Ted Gibson (Sherry), numerous nephews, nieces, great nephews and nieces, and several cousins.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent to Mt. Zion United Methodist Church at P.O. Box 205 Smiths Station, AL 36877.