James L Gipson's Obituary
James Lloyd Gipson
Jay passed away peacefully at 83 years of age December 21, 2013 at Good Samaritan Hospital, Puyallup, WA, with his family by his side. Jay was a prostrate cancer survivor and a fighter to the end living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
Jay was born on January 22, 1930 to James (Bud) and Pearl Gipson in Alto, TN, the second of four children. He grew up and attended Catholic schools in Decherd, TN, and served in the United States Army during the Korean War. While stationed at Fort Carson, CO Jay met the love of his life, Kay Earhart. On February 16, 1953 they were married in Raton, NM, and settled in Tennessee, later moving to Chicago Heights, IL where their daughter Debbie was born. In 1957 they moved to Tacoma, WA, and their son Mike was born a year later.
Jay was a shareholder at Puget Sound Plywood and retired from there. After retiring, he worked part-time for ten years for DWS at Tacoma Costco.
Jay was a sweet, kind, and gentle man, and yet his strong constitution and quiet calm, along with his inner strength, was our family's compass rose and guiding light. Jay was a man of integrity and character and a true southern gentleman ~ the "real deal." Jay always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone.
Jay had many talents and hobbies, including woodworking, upholstering furniture, and leather working. He was a "Jack of all trades." Jay and Kay enjoyed walking at the Tacoma Mall and visiting with friends.
Jay and Kay enjoyed traveling from coast to coast, including Hawaii and Mexico. Some of his favorite vacations were spent with his kids and grandkids in Tennessee and Disneyland.
Jay was a loving family man and he adored his grandkids. He was there to cheer them on at all of their school and sporting events. Jay also loved taking his grandkids camping in their motorhome and spending time at Ocean Shores, WA.
Jay is survived by his wife Kay of nearly 61 years, his daughter Debbie (Bob) Drugge, grandchildren Jody (Jarred) Draper, Kevin, Kyle, Brett (Angelica) Drugge, and Janelle (Jeff) Lhotka, and great-grandson Jaxon Draper, his sisters Virgie Finney of Tennessee and Lela (Lindell) Dunning of Michigan, sister-in-law Faye Gipson of Tennessee, and brother-in-law Bob (Mary) Earhart of Tacoma, along with numerous nephews and nieces, and his "little buddy" Dundee.
Jay was predeceased by his son Mike in 2010 from colon cancer and his brother Curtis.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the American Cancer Society in Jay's memory, or a charity of your choice.
A celebration of Jay's life will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. in the Mountain View Garden Chapel with a reception immediately following in the Mountain View Oak Room. A private family graveside will be held at a later date.
Please share your thoughts and memories online at www.mountainviewtacoma.com.
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