James ‘Jim’ Edward Gibbens
VALLEY CENTER - James 'Jim' Edward Gibbens, 75, retired Kansas Gas & Electric foreman, beloved dad, grandpa and brother, passed away Wednesday (October 31, 2007).
He was born in Newton to Philip William Gibbens Sr. and Pearl Vidella (Leech) Gibbens, who preceded him in death.
He attended Newton High School and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
He is survived by his children, Cindy and Jeff Sparks of Kansas City, Mo., Kim and Sonja Gibbens of Moundridge, and Angie and John Watkins of Rose Hill; grandchildren, Jeffrey Sparks Jr. and Christi Sparks of Valley Center, Kevin and Amanda Sparks of Mulvane, Tabitha and Aaron Basgall of Rose Hill and Michelle Gibbens of Newton; great grandchildren, Alex and Haley Sparks of Valley Center and Reagan Sparks of Mulvane; a brother, Philip 'Buzz' Gibbens Jr. and Marceline Gibbens of Olathe; sisters, Ruth Huebert and Naomi Drake, both of Newton; and his first wife, Shirley Gibbens of Valley Center.
He also was preceded in death by brothers, Gene, Bill and Butch Gibbens.
Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Baker Funeral Home, 100 S. Cedar, Valley Center.
Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Monday at First Christian Church, 100 S. Park, Valley Center.
Memorials may be made to Faith Home Health and Hospice in care of the funeral home.
The Newton Kansan website 3 Nov 2007
