"I HAVE FOUGHT A GOOD FIGHT"

Saluda, SC  Deacon James Gibson, 102, of 1212 Pine Grove Road, the widower of Annie Barnes Gibson, World War II Veteran of US Marine,  peacefully departed this life Saturday, January 10, 2026 at his residence.

He was born in Saluda, SC,  on March 12, 1923, the third of six siblings born to the late Eddie and Mae Bell Dozier Gibson. He received his education in the Public Schools of Saluda County, SC. During his younger days of life he worked as a  farmer, Sawmill worker, and laying pipe.  He was drafted in the US Marines in 1943. He fought in World War II, until the war ended and was discharged as Corporal on February 7, 1946. 

After being discharged, he farmed as a share cropper. He went to school under the GI Bill for Trim and Upholstery and worked at McWhirter's Upholstery and Service and Station doing upholstery.  After finishing school he was self-employed doing upholstery until he went to work at Fort Jackson.  At Fort Jackson he did wood work and furniture repair. He later served as Supervisor of Field Maintenance until retirement in July 1983.

On March 29, 1947, he married the late Annie Barnes Gibson. This union was blessed with three children.

Deacon Gibson has been a Master Mason since 1947.  Currently he is a member of Peerless Lodge #214 of Saluda, SC and he has served as Worshipful Master, and also as Patron for Peerless Chapter #335 OES. He has been a faithful member of Rock Hill Baptist since early age. He served as a Sunday School Teacher, Trustee, Senior Choir member, and was Chairman of the Board of Deacons for twenty-five years.

His hobbies included bible reading, watching Westerns, fiddling with lawn mowers and tractors. He loved to hunt and fish. 

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by siblings, John H. Gibson, Eddie Lee Gibson and  a cousin, Henry Dozier (who was raised like a brother), Mamie L. Brooks, Inez Andrews, and Mary Ella Gibson. He was the last survivor of his immediate family.

He leaves to cherish and honor his legacy and memory; son, Marvin Gibson of the home; daughters, Shirley Gibson (Care taker) of the home and Cynthia (Bernard) Mobley of Johnston, SC; two granddaughter, Crystal Mobley of Salisbury, NC and Camille (Kass) Etheredge of San Antonia, TX  and one great grandson, Ace Cassidy Etheredge of San Antonia, TX; a cousin. Frank Gibson (who was raised like a brother) of New Jersey; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Lois H. Gibson, Ruby Barnes, Rosa Mae Barnes, Josephine (Reverend Raymond) Adams, James (Thelma) Barnes and Carrie (Edward) Bates; nieces, nephews, other relatives and sorrowing friends who will missed him dearly.

Please include the family in your prayers, when you bow to pray.

Butler and Sons Funeral Home is honored to serve the Gibson Family.