James Michael Gibson

He was preceded in death by his mother, Doris Barton, his father, James Gibson, his “other mother” (step), Dorothy Gibson and his brother, Steve.

Mike lived many places as he was growing up and always made friends wherever he went. When he

moved to Arlington with his family in the 10th grade he found where he wanted to stay. Playing football

with his high school buddies and the memories they made have been one of the highlights of his life.

He went to Texas Tech his sophomore year where he became very involved with his fraternity, Sigma

Alpha Epsilon. He has always been a leader and enjoyed serving as president of the fraternity. He

remained close to his fraternity brothers throughout the years.

In 1972, he became a custom home builder along with his business partner, Scott Ford. The building

business was a perfect fit for him---Arlington was booming and Mike was in his element being a part of it.

In 1976, he married Melinda Raine and they lived in Arlington until moving to Keller in 2003. Life was full

with raising their son, Trey, serving in the Optimist Club of Arlington, and coaching Trey’s Optimist football

team. During this time Melinda and Mike were part of the formation of their home church, Grace Vineyard

Christian Fellowship (now Vineyard Church of Arlington). Mike served on the board for over 20 years and

was an esteemed leader. Being a vital part of this church family changed Mike forever; he was so grateful

for the spiritual growth he received there as well as the lifelong friends he made.

After being a custom home builder for many years he went to work for David Weekley Homes in 1991

starting as a builder and later serving as Purchasing Manager. This was his dream job. He thrived on

company culture and enjoyed the many corporate relationships he developed. It was while he was there

that he developed Stage 4 throat cancer. He was tough as nails and endured this with grit and

determination. Losing over 90 pounds he missed but one day of work, and never complained.

After his time at Weekley, Mike went to work with his dear friend Glenn Terrell at TRW. When Glenn

passed away in June of 2019 Mike chose to retire.

Mike gained respect from those that knew him because he was a strong man marked by good character.

He treated everyone the same; valuing people for who they were, not what they did. He was a loyal,

dependable friend and loved by many. One could describe him as crusty, hard-headed, and definitely a

bit loud… and we loved him for it.

God granted Mike 19 more years after his cancer until his health began to turn again due to post radiation scarring. His death was caused as a result of post-surgical complications to remove invasive scar tissue . However, those 19 years of good health allowed him to lead an active, fulfilling life and welcome his daughter-in-law, Laura, and become “Boppa” to the joy of his life- his three grandchildren. We are forever grateful. Thanks be to God!

Mike is survived by his wife of 44 years, Melinda Raine Gibson; son, James Trey Gibson and daughter in

law, Laura; grandchildren, Jaden, Emma, and Liam, extended family and a multitude of friends.

Due to COVID, there will not be a memorial service. Instead there will be a visitation at The Vineyard

Church of Arlington, 1301 W. Abram St., Arlington, TX. from 5-8 pm on Thursday, December 17th. This

time of visitation will adhere to the church’s COVID protocol of a safe check and masks will be required.

Burial will private.

The family requests in lieu of flowers that memorial contributions be made to The Vineyard Church of Arlington Benevolence Fund.

**If giving by check memo Benevolence.

Online: www.vcarlington.org Just follow the prompts.