NATCHEZ — Services for James Garrett “Jim” Gilbert, 83, of Natchez, who died Tuesday, July 7, 2009, at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge, will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Stanton Baptist Church.
Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until service time Saturday at the church.
Jim was born Aug. 15, 1925, in Couchwood, La., the son of Arthur Preston Gilbert and Edna Matthews Gilbert. His lifelong love of sports and the outdoors were nurtured while growing up in Minden, La. After graduating from high school, Jim played outfield for the Utica, N.Y. Braves, Class A affiliate of the Boston Braves, for one season before serving his country in World War II. During his Army service, Jim honed his sporting skills as an athletic instructor. Upon an honorable discharge, Jim played several years in semi-pro baseball, most notably with the Troy Trojans of the Alabama State League (1946-1947) and the Natchez Indians of the Cotton State League (1948-1951.)
Jim fell in love with the people of Natchez as they did with him. The decision to stay in the city set off a 20-year association with Rex Sporting Goods. Jim not only outfitted the youth of Natchez with uniforms and equipment, but also coached many of them in his first love, baseball. His next career venture drew upon his entrepreneurial spirit and quick mind. He operated several small businesses including Jim’s Outdoors, T&H Carpet Cleaning and AG Rent-it. His friendly personality and ability to never forget those he met lead Jim into another natural talent of public service. For all his life, Jim’s joy was his family, friends, the great outdoors and faith in God. He served 14 years as an alderman for the City of Natchez.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Kathryn G. Thomas and Helen G. Sanders; four brothers, Byron C. Gilbert, Harold Gilbert, Horace Gilbert and Huis Gilbert; and one great-grandson, Andrew Joseph Lopez-Tynes.
Survivors include his wife, Trinidad V. Gilbert; four sons, Gary Gilbert of Natchez, James Lopez of Dallas, John Lopez of Baton Rouge and Tony Lopez; one daughter, Trini Lopez of Biloxi; three sisters, Nell G. Harlon of Houghton, La., Elizabeth G. Ambrose of Minden, La., and Ysleta G. Kranz of Poway, Calif.; and a number of grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Anyone wishing to honor the memory of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, we respectfully request a donation to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in lieu of flowers.
The family wishes to express their appreciation to the Rev. Steve Purvis and the members of Stanton Baptist Church for their care, love and fellowship with Jim during his life and support of his family at his death and also to the staff of Laird Funeral Home for their kindness and professional assistance with funeral arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to www.lairdfh.com.