James Carroll Gipson

James Carroll Gipson, 73, of rural Jonesboro, passed from this life on Saturday, August 8, 2020, at his home.

James was born in Mountain View, California, and moved with his family at the age of 4 to the Oak Grove community west of Jonesboro where he lived the rest of his life. In his early years, James was a member of  The Gipsons singing group which sang mostly blue grasss but gradually changed to  gospel music which they sang for many years. He loved singing for his Lord.

James was a 1964 graduate of Valley View High School and served eight years in the Arkansas National Guard. He was a farmer until 1982 when he entered the insurance profession and worked as a general insurance agent the remainder of his working career.

James came to know his Lord as Savior at the age of sixteen.  He was a charter member of Valley View Missionary Baptist Church where he was a deacon, Sunday school teacher and formerly served as song leader. James enjoyed gardening and yard work but his children and grandchildren were his greatest pride and joy. He could be seen at the grandchildren's various activities  carrying his video camera where he faithfully recorded the event.  James especially loved the sporting events of softball, baseball and basketball. He and his camera were a common sight at Southside Softball Complex.

James was preceded in death by his parents: Paul and Bessie Tisdale Gipson, and 2 brothers: Leon Gipson and Bobby Gipson.

Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Retha Beckham Gipson of the home;

2 sons and daughters-in-law: Anthony and Shaniece Gipson of Paragould and Matthew and

U Yin Gipson of Gastonia, North Carolina;

1 daughter, Jamie Dugger of Jonesboro;

6 grandchildren: Rachel Edwards, Blake Gipson, Alexis Gipson, McKyna Craig, Calvin Gipson and Emma Dugger;

4 brothers: Larry (Mona) Gipson of Bono, Gary (Mary) Gipson, Jerry (Pat) Gipson and Mark Gipson,  all of Jonesboro; and

3 sisters: Betty (Jim) White, Patricia (Charlie) Agee, and Karen (Randy) Woodruff, all of Jonesboro; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at Emerson Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at Emerson Funeral Home with Randy Stimach and Gary Gipson officiating. Matthew Gipson will deliver the eulogy. Burial will follow in Gibson Cemetery.

Active pallbearers include Richie Agee, Jeremy White, Eric Creasy, Dave Gipson, Charlie Agee and Jim White.  Honorary pallbearers include members of the Adult Sunday school class at Valley View Missionary Baptist Church.

For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to Valley View Missionary Baptist Church, 5924 Southwest Dr., Jonesboro, AR 72404.