James Paul Gibson Sr, age 92, passed away on April 22, 2026. James (JP) was born June 9th,1933 in Habersham Tennessee. The youngest child of Lola Paralee Leach Gibson and Winburn Lee Gibson.

The family moved to Bowling Green, Florida in the 1940's where he resided until being placed in a Sarasota, Florida nursing home. James served in the US Army as a lineman and traveled throughout Germany and France during his service.  After returning to Bowling Green, he began his career with the Florida Department of Transportation working on the centerline crew painting state roads working his way to becoming an engineer before retiring after over 39 years.

He married Doris Jean Clements on December 29th, 1961. They have lived in the same home in Bowling Green ever since. James was a member of First Baptist Church in Bowling Green. He was extremely creative and loved to paint, enjoyed making crafts out of wood as well as creating interesting objects out of what most would consider junk. His love of children would show anytime a child would enter the room.

James was preceded in death by both parents as well as four sisters and one brother: Lucille Gibson Rigby, Jewel Gibson Watkins Wilson, Maggie Gibson Faulk Nachbar, Novella Gibson Edwards and Floyd Gibson.

He is survived by his wife, Doris Jean Clements Gibson of Bowling Green, Florida, son James Paul Gibson Jr of Jacksonville, Florida and daughter Paula Gibson McGrath (Christopher) of Sarasota, Florida as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026 at 10:00-11:00am at Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home at 205 N. 9th Ave Wauchula

Funeral services will follow and Burial at Bowling Green Cemetery in Bowling Green, Fl.

Online Condolences can be made at www.pongerkaysgrady.com .

Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Homes & Cremation Services have been entrusted with the arrangements.