Dr. James Austin "Skipper" Gilbert

James Austin “Skipper” Gilbert passed away peacefully on December 28, 2023. He was born to JoAnn and Butch Gilbert on October 2, 1972, at Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City, Louisiana. In his early years, Skipper grew up in Galloway Memorial United Methodist Church, where he participated in many church and youth activities. He attended Jackson Academy and graduated from Jackson Preparatory School, where he was captain of the soccer team and was named to the Who’s Who his senior year. He was a graduate of Mississippi State University where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and held several offices within the fraternity. Skipper served as a Student Association Senator and a member of the Executive and Judicial Board of the student body while at Mississippi State. He was a member of the Golden Key National Honor Society and Gamma Beta Phi honor society. Following college, Skipper received his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the University of Alabama in Birmingham School of Dentistry. After graduation, he served five years in the Public Health Service, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Commander Dental Surgeon. Skipper also received the United States Public Health Service Citation Award for outstanding service. Following his time in the Public Health Service, he practiced dentistry in the Atlanta area for over fifteen years. He was beloved by both his patients and staff. In his professional and personal life, Skipper was known for his love of helping others and his kindness to everyone he met. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Skipper cherished his time with his son, James “Park” Gilbert, who was the light of his life. He loved taking Park to the family home in Highlands, NC, where they spent some of their happiest times together.

Skipper is survived by his son, James “Park” Gilbert (Atlanta, GA); his parents, JoAnn and Butch Gilbert (Ridgeland, MS); his sister, Stacey Pittard (Woodstock, GA); his niece, Kate Pittard (Woodstock, GA); his nephew, Jack Pittard (Woodstock, GA); his aunt, Angela Noblin (Pensacola, FL); his uncle, Baker Tadlock (Madison, MS), and many loving cousins. Skipper was preceded in death by his grandparents, Earl and Ivadell Noblin, Buford and Annie Ruth Gilbert, all of Forest, MS and many aunts and uncles.

The family would like to thank the Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates for their compassionate care and kindness.

Funeral services will be held at Parkway Funeral Home in Ridgeland, MS on Monday, January 8, 2024, with visitation from 9:30 am to 11 am and the funeral at 11 am. The burial will be at Parkway Memorial Cemetery shortly after the funeral. Pallbearers will be Jack Pittard, Jamie Pittman, Jason Good, Clayton Bonjean, Bernard Booth, and Ladd Luce.

In lieu of flowers, consider sending a memorial in his name to Galloway Memorial United Methodist Church at 305 North Congress Street, Jackson, MS 39201, French Camp Academy at 1 Fine Place, French Camp, MS 39745, or any charity of your choice.