James Conrad Gibson

Jimmy, as he was known to his family, was born to Solon Pat and Lillian Kownslar Gibson in San Antonio, Texas. He was raised in San Antonio and graduated from Alamo Heights High School, where he competed on the tennis team. He served in the Texas Army National Guard and the Texas Air National Guard and Reserves, from which he was honorably discharged. Jim spent many misguided years in Houston, where he eventually graduated from the University of Houston and had two children. He worked as a CPA in Houston and San Antonio, but retired in Austin where he proudly worked for the State of Texas.

Jim indulged in good jokes, good stories, and good people. He loved being in the Boy Scouts with his son helping him achieve the level of Eagle Scout, and lecturing his daughter endlessly about the importance of listening, learning, and compassion. Jim was an avid reader who knew a little jack about history, science, philosophy, and politics. With his fine, retentive mind he could spontaneously and engagingly discuss any topic in depth. Jim enjoyed gardening, camping, and seeing live music with his children, sipping coffee with his friends, and doling out [good humored] sarcasm. He loved talking with and teasing his coworkers and friends almost as much as his beloved sister.

The world has lost a true human being. His compassion, patience, love, loyalty, humor, and kindness will not be forgotten. Clever in his words and thoughtful in his actions, he will continue to live on in our hearts and in his stories that we continue to tell.

Jimmy is survived by his son, Reis Conrad Gibson, daughter and son-in-law, Shannon Marie Gibson and Michael Fielding Derrick, mother, Lillian Kownslar Gibson, sister and brother-in-law, Helen Ann and John William Worsham, Jr., nephew, Lawrence Michael Estefan, former wife, Jorja Shannon, and many, many beloved relatives and friends.

A memorial service for family and friends will be held at Northwood Presbyterian Church, 518 Pike Place, San Antonio, Texas 78209 this Friday, February 5, at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please buy and give someone you know and love a book and make time for them as he always did for us.