Obit – Elder James Thomas Gibbs

Elder James Thomas Gibbs, age 86, of South Carthage, TN, passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. 

Bro. Gibbs was born December 25, 1938 in Elmwood, TN, a son of the late Tom Gibbs and Lela Dedmon Gibbs. He was also preceded in death by siblings; Maggie Gibbs Hughes, Glenn Gibbs, Louise Grisham, and Ray Allen Gibbs. James married Brenda Armistead on May 9, 1959. He was a 1957 graduate of Smith County High School where he was in the Top 10 of his class. He was a lifelong farmer. Mr. Gibbs worked at TRW for 32 years until his retirement. After retiring from TRW, Bro. James worked at Bass Funeral Home for over 30 years until his death. He was a 50 year member of the Carthage Benevolent Lodge #14 F&AM and a member of the Caney Fork Missionary Baptist Church. 

Eld. Gibbs faithfully served as a pastor for many years, answering his calling with dedication. Throughout his ministry, he pastored the churches of New Salem Missionary Baptist Church, Indian Creek Missionary Baptist Church, Caney Fork Missionary Baptist Church, Grant Missionary Baptist Church, Mt. Tabor Missionary Baptist Church, and most recently, Jared Missionary Baptist Church. During his years of service, he officiated more than 125 weddings, conducted over 375 funerals, and led countless revivals. His ministry touched generations of families and left a lasting impact on each congregation he served.

James Thomas Gibbs is survived by Wife of 66 years; Brenda Armistead Gibbs of South Carthage, TN. Son; Thomas Allen (Angela) Gibbs of South Carthage, TN. Granddaughter; Jessica (Dustin) Dillehay of South Carthage, TN. Great-grandson; Jackson Dillehay of South Carthage, TN. Sister; Jean Gibbs Hunter. Brothers-in-Law; Danny (Cathy) Armistead and Steve (Renee) Armistead. 

Funeral Services for Eld. Gibbs were conducted from the Gordonsville Chapel of Bass Funeral Homes on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at 1PM with Eld. Junior Dickerson officiating and Steve Armistead delivering the eulogy. Interment followed in the Gordonsville Cemetery with Eld. Pee Wee Massey officiating. 

Visitation with the family was at the Gordonsville Chapel of Bass Funeral Homes on Friday from 12PM until 7PM with a Masonic Service by the Carthage Benevolent Lodge #14 F&AM at 6PM, and on Saturday after 10AM until service time at 1PM.

Memorials in Bro. James memory may be made to the Jared Missionary Baptist Church, New Salem Missionary Baptist Church, or the Caney Fork Missionary Baptist Church.

BASS of GORDONSVILLE