James Leroy Lebo

James Leroy Lebo, Jim to friends and loved ones, age 82, passed on last Monday following a brief serious illness. He touched many through his love, caring and generosity and will be deeply missed by family and friends alike. Born in Decatur, Illinois and growing up in South Bend, Indiana, Jim earned his bachelor’s degree at Indiana’s Tri-State University after returning from his tour of duty aboard the battleship, the US Mississippi, during the Korean War. As a long time member of the Kiwanis Club of Slidell, LA, Jim served as treasurer for several years, working with many of the organization’s activities and charitable endeavors. He was named “Kawanian of the Year” in 1979-80 and in 1988-89. Also very active in his church, the First Methodist Church, Jim served for years in the financial department and wherever else he was needed. During his work as a mechanical engineer in the space industry for many years at Boeing in Seattle and Huntsville Alabama, then with Martin-Marietta (now Lockheed Martin) in New Orleans for many years, Jim received several accolades for his work. Jim moved to Gulfport in 1994 “to bring his wife, Grace, home” and to bring his very ill mother and sister from Indiana so he and Grace could care for them. He enjoyed working in his beloved and beautiful flower gardens and meeting the neighbors who stopped to visit and admire the lovely results of his work. When the couple joined the Long Beach, MS Yacht Club, they fully supported the activities and programs. They worked with other members in re-establishing a Mardi Gras favorite – the Krewe of Bells and Buoys which went on to earn many trophies and recognition in various Gulf Coast city parades. Preceding Jim in death were his first wife, Joyce Fox Lebo, his parents Troy and Margaret Marshall Lebo, his grandsons Matthew Michael Gibson and Carl Joseph Potts, and great-granddaughter Noel Carter, and his sisters Jacquelyn and Norma Lebo. Jim is survived by his wife Grace Blackmarr Lebo, his children Linda Lebo Blanchard (Gordon), Larry Leroy Lebo (Claudia), Steven Troy Lebo (Lisa) and Burl E. Gibson, III (Annette), Randy A. Gibson (Deborah), Rosemary Gangemi (Carl), Grace Gibson (Anna), Sarah Elchos (Nick), and Frank I. Gibson (Renee`). He is also survived by 26 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. A visitation for family and friends will be held Saturday, January 28, 2012, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15452 O’Neal Road, Gulfport. A procession will leave the funeral home going to Evergreen Cemetery on 28th Street in Gulfport for a graveside service of Christian burial. Memorials may be made to Feed My Sheep, 2615 19th Street, Gulfport MS 39501 or to Gulf Coast Rescue Mission, 2750 Mission Lane, Biloxi MS, 39535. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com