Jim Gipson

December 6, 1935 - April 20, 2016

Jim Gipson, 80, went to be with his Savior on Wednesday, April 20, 2016. He was born on December 6, 1935 to Jack and Tillie Gipson. Jim married Linda Hawk on June 24, 1960. He lived and farmed for over 45 years in Lauratown. He loved to grow cotton and was one of the last cotton farmers in Lawrence County. During this time Jim was a board member and chairman of many farm related co-ops; Federal Land Bank of Pocahontas, North Central Arkansas and Farm Credit Bank of St. Louis. Jim was instrumental in forming what Farm Credit is today. He was a founding member of Farm Service Inc.; and also served on the Southern Farmers Co-op in Little Rock. After retiring Jim and Linda moved to Jonesboro. Jim is preceded in death by his son, Little Jimmy; his parents; and a brother, Jerry Gipson. Jim, affectionately known as Big Jim, leaves behind many who will miss him dearly; his wife Linda of 56 years; children, Lisa (Mike) Holder of Paragould, Joette (Wink) Phillips of Lauratown, Heath (Terri) Gipson of Walnut Ridge, Jason Gipson of Forrest City, Anna (Dillon) Watkins of Austin, TX; a brother, Jack Donald Gipson of Memphis; a sister, Carolyn Tranthum of Jonesboro; sixteen grandchildren, Rachel (Jason) Boyd, Zachary and Patrick Holder, Rebekah (Matt) Garner, Michael, James, Sarah, Josiah and Daniel Phillips, Evan and Emma Gipson, Nolan, Luke and Matthew Ward, Evelyn and Even Watkins; and many other relatives and friends. Bobby Shackelford officiating. Honored to serve as pallbearers will be Michael Phillips, James Phillips, Zachary Holder, Nolan Ward, Evan Gipson and Robin Gosha. Honorary Pallbearers will be Luke Ward, Matthew Ward, Patrick Holder, Daniel Phillips, Josiah Phillips and Evan Watkins. The family asks that donations be made in Lieu of flowers to the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro.