James Marsine Gerbig
March 4, 1924 – June 15, 2015

James “Jim” Gerbig, 91, of Bryan, passed away on Monday, June 15, 2015 at the Hospice Brazos Valley Inpatient Facility in Bryan. A private burial service will proceed his Memorial Service at 11am, Friday, June 19, 2015 at Central Baptist Church in College Station, 1991 FM 158 Road. Funeral arrangements are in the care of Callaway-Jones Funeral Home and Crematory.

Jim was born in the Kickapoo area near Waller, Texas, and grew up on the family farm. On July 30, 1945 he married the love of his life, Marion Turner. He was a proud Aggie graduate – Class of 1950 (whoop) – with double degrees in Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering and was a member of the greatest generation. He served in the Army Air Corps with the 23rd Depot Repair Squadron during World War II, fought in the Battle of the Bulge and was a true patriot who loved his country with all his heart and soul.

He was a Professional Engineer by trade but was an accomplished man in many fields. As an accomplished engineer, he accepted any challenge and never backed down, finding optimum solutions to problems he encountered. He ran his first marathon at age 60 and loved encouraging his and Mom’s friend, Heart Lassiter, to run. His most precious times were spent with God and nature. He loved fishing and quail hunting. Many joyful events revolved around those activities with his family and friends as well as fish fries at his beloved retreat north of Bryan. He loved his fruit trees and orchard. If you challenged him to a game of ‘42’, we hope you did not expect to win.

But more than anything, Jim was a true and faithful servant of God. He is being greatly celebrated in Heaven and his truest mission was making sure all knew of God’s love, grace, and redemption.

Of all the numerous professional organizations of which he was a member, perhaps his proudest affiliation was as an ‘honorary member ‘of the Bluebonnet Streetrodders Club. We wish he could have gotten his ’55 Chevy.

Jim’s working career included employment with Alcoa Aluminum, Rohm and Haas Chemical, and private engineering and construction companies. His “last” retirement was at the age of 83 as construction manager for Brushy Creek MUD on a water treatment plant in Round Rock, TX. He also loved his time serving as a Docent for George Bush Library.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents Will L. Gerbig and Callie Hyatt Gerbig, his brother Willie Joe Gerbig and sister-in-law Martha Gerbig. His greatest loss was his son, Mike, when he passed in July, 2011.

He is survived by his wife of seventy years, Marion Turner Gerbig; his daughter Jan Gerbig Connealy and husband Don Connealy, daughter-in-law Valerie Gerbig; his twin sister Valerie Wilson; sister-in-law and special angel Greta Watts; his brother-in-law Charles Turner and wife Mary, and brother-in-law Edward Turner. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. His extended family included many friends throughout the world. He had a special place in his heart for all God’s four legged creatures.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Hope Rescue Center in Hearne, Texas, Brazos Valley Hospice or the charity of your choice.