J. W. "Jake" Gibson

J.W. "Jake" Gibson, age 85, of Fayetteville, Ark., died on June 26, 2022, at Willard Walker Hospice Home in Fayetteville, Ark. He was born on April 26, 1937, in Mesa, Ariz., to Carl and Girtha (Ratliff) Gibson. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Lela Dunlap; and wife, Billie Gibson Marrs. He worked at Karstetter & Glass Body Shop for almost 40 years. J.W. is survived by his son, Robert Gibson and wife Tracey of Fayetteville; two grandsons, Zach Gibson and wife Jennifer of Youngstown, Ohio, and Nick Gibson of Fayetteville; one sister, Phyllis Keith of Fayetteville; one great-granddaughter, Anna Gibson; one great-grandson, Tyler Connell; and numerous nieces, nephews; and a host of friends. J.W. loved the outdoors. He enjoyed catfishing, especially with his brother-in-law Morris Keith, and trout fishing with son, Robert, and friends Randy and Jay. He was an active member and coach of Fayetteville Youth Baseball at both Walker and White River Parks. J.W. was one of the founding members of the North Arkansas Horseshoe Pitchers Association. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Saturday, July 2, 2022, at Beard's Funeral Chapel in Fayetteville, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Fayetteville Youth Baseball, P.O. Box 9331, Fayetteville, AR 72703 or at www.fybaseball.com. Cremation arrangements by Beard's Funeral Chapel. Condolences at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com