James Harrison Gibson

James Harrison Gibson, Sr., age 78, of 85 Jimmy’s Place, Sparta, NC, formerly of Switchback, WV, died on Sunday, October 6, 2013 at his home. Born on October 8, 1935, in Pocahontas, VA, he was a son of the late Robert Duke Gibson, Sr. and Willa Little Gibson. He had attended Elkhorn High School. He was a US Army Veteran having served in the Korean Conflict and Vietnam with 2 tours each. He had 21 years of military service to our country and was retired from the US Army. He was also retired as a coal miner with 11 years of service. He was a member of the UMWA and the VFW. He had lived in Sparta for the past 17 years In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Robert “Jack” Gibson and a sister, Barbara Paine. Survivors: Beloved Wife of 58 years: Elise Crigger Gibson of the home Son: James Gibson, Jr. and wife Lyne of Sparta, NC Daughters: Penny Wagg of Sparta, NC Pamela Lafferty and husband Michael of Sparta, NC Brother: Randy Gibson and wife Shirley of Bramwell, WV Sister: Jennifer Compton and husband Ronnie of Bastian, VA 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 9, 2013 at 1:00 PM at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell with Rev. James Worrell and Rev. Jason Albertson officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Bluewell where military graveside honors will be performed by the Mercer County Honor Guard. Serving as pallbearers will be Jerry Lafferty, Chris Williams, Kevin Eldridge, Hunter Wagg, Randel Pinter, Eric Gibson, Duke Gibson, and Jacob Saddler. Friends may call on Tuesday evening from 6-8 PM at the funeral home. The family is accepting online condolences at www.cravens-shires.com. The Cravens-Shires Funeral Home at 3431 Coal Heritage Road, Bluefield, WV is in charge of arrangements.