James Gordon Gilbert

On Thursday, July 2, 2026, James Gordon Gilbert, beloved father and grandfather, passed away peacefully at Shiloh Nursing and Rehab in Springdale, Arkansas, at the age of 91. Born in Eden, Texas, to Homer L. and Florence J. (Black) Gilbert, he was raised in Mineral Wells, Texas, where he graduated from high school in 1952. In 1953, he married his high school sweetheart, Sammye Hickey, and the two began building a wonderful life together centered on faith, hard work, and community. Jim continued his education, earning a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Texas Tech University and a master’s degree from Southern Methodist University. An aerospace engineer, Jim had an exceptional career beginning with General Dynamics in Fort Worth, Texas. In 1964, he transitioned to Chrysler Corporation Space Division in New Orleans, where he worked on the Gemini, Apollo, and Space Shuttle programs. He later left the space program to join a longtime friend in the construction industry and went on to found Gilbert Engineering Corp., which he led until his retirement. Jim and Sammye were both very active in church, youth sports, and education, instilling those values in their two boys, Steve and Mike. One of their most treasured community efforts was their work with Belle Chasse United Methodist Church and their mission work with Manos Juntas Ministries in Reynosa and Rio Bravo, Mexico. Jim was a 32nd Degree Mason, a Shriner, and a Rotarian. He volunteered with United Way, his church, and numerous youth programs, and coached Little League baseball and football throughout the 1960s while working to help put humans on the moon. He set the standard as a husband, father, and member of his community, always engaged in making his part of the world, and a few other places, a little bit better. Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Sammye Hickey Gilbert; his parents, Homer L. Gilbert and Florence J. (Black) Gilbert; his brother, Eugene Gilbert; and his grandson, Eric Fritschie. He is survived by his sons, Steve Gilbert and wife Dana of Alma, Arkansas, and Mike Gilbert and wife Cathy of Springdale, Arkansas; five grandchildren, Kristen, Frederick, Wyatt, Zane, and Daniel; six great-grandchildren, Olivia, Brianna, Katelyn, Rebekah, Emma, and Samantha; one great-great-grandchild, Romeo; and a host of nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a future date. Jim requested that memorials be made to Belle Chasse United Methodist Church, BCUMC International Missions, 8375 Highway 23, Belle Chasse, LA 70037. Online condolences may be left at siscofuneral.com.

James Gordon Gilbert

July 27, 1934 - July 2, 2026