James Levi Gibson

James Levi Gibson, 67 of Davin, WV departed this life Sunday, January 29, 2023, at CAMC General Hospital following a short illness.

He was born October 14, 1955, to the late Joe and Dorothy Gibson, also of Davin. In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Lorean Staggs, brother, Rev. J. Donald Gibson; sisters, Flora Lafferty; brother-in-law, Sid Cook; nephew, Joshua Helmondollar, and 2 half-brothers, Lee and Raymond Gibson.

Known as Jim, Jimmy, or Jimbo to family and friends, he was a man of quiet nature, but a gentle giant in ways of giving from his heart to family and friends in times of need. He worked for 33 years in the coal mines, last working for Eastern Associated Coal Company before his retirement in 2012. For a short period of about a year when he was laid off from the mines, he worked as an OTR truck driver, driving an 18 wheeler across the country to provide for his family. He loved hunting, fishing, camping, and boating with his family in earlier years, and was an avid bird watcher, especially red cardinals. He always made sure that the bird feeder was fill of seed for his little friends who came daily for their food. Jim was also an avid WVU and Atlanta Braves fan.

Those left to cherish his memory includes his loving wife of 37 years, Tammy (Staggs) Gibson; four sons, Dewey (Beth) McNeely of Columbia, SC, T.C. (Susan) of Oceana, WV, Jimmy Joe (Amanda) of Bluefield, WV, and Ben (Brittany) Gibson of Davin, WV; “Pappy’s” 6 precious grandchildren, Payton McNeely, Ryleigh and Logan McNeely, Maddux, Jake, and Remi Gibson, who were the highlights of his life; brother, Danny (Pam) Gibson of Davin; sisters, Naomi (Bob) Gibson Ausburn of Tampa, FL, and Parthena Gibson Cook of Mallory, WV; 2 half-sisters, Helen Nielsen of Columbus, OH, and Joan Brown of Cyclone, WV. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Jim was proud of his family, his heritage, and his Christian faith. He will forever be loved and missed but never forgotten. Just a favorite quote from 2 old hymns, “Farther along we’ll know all about it, Father along, we’ll understand why, Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine, We’ll understand it, all bye and bye.”

“Many things about tomorrow, I don’t seem to understand, but I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand.”

Funeral services will be held Friday, February 3, 2023, at Akers-James Funeral Home with Donald Lafferty officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery at Pecks Mill. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of the service, Friday at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be left at www.jamesfh.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Akers-James Funeral Home, Logan, WV.