[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 70 (Wednesday, April 30, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E769]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN MEMORY OF JACK GIBSON

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. MIKE ROSS

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 30, 2008

  Mr. ROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of my dear 
friend and former colleague in the Arkansas State Senate, Jack Gibson 
of Boydell, Arkansas, who passed away April 24, 2008.
  I will forever remember Jack Gibson as a good friend, a devoted 
public servant and someone who cared deeply about improving the quality 
of life in southeast Arkansas. As a natural born leader, he excelled at 
every task he took on and was an inspiration to all of us who knew him.
  Jack Gibson served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II 
as a decorated naval pilot, and has been recognized for shooting down 
the last enemy aircraft of the war. After the war, he returned home to 
southeast Arkansas to pursue his true passion of agriculture. His 
advocacy for the industry began while working with his father at their 
family-owned farm, cotton gin and agricultural spraying service, where 
he learned the importance of farming to our economy. As a member of the 
Farm Bureau for over 50 years, as well as his affiliation with numerous 
other agricultural organizations, he relentlessly promoted the value 
and resources the agriculture community contributes to the fabric of 
our State and Nation.
  Jack Gibson was also a distinguished State senator representing 
Arkansas State Senate District 35 for 12 years. He was a thoughtful and 
diligent senator who admirably represented all those he was elected to 
serve. I was honored to serve with him in the Arkansas Senate where I 
experienced his tireless and dedicated work on agriculture and economic 
development issues facing Arkansas. His leadership in the Senate, 
whether as a Chairman or Member of a committee or council, was guided 
by his dedication to the State of Arkansas and to all of those who work 
and reside in our beloved State. The opportunity to get to know and 
work with Jack Gibson will forever be etched fondly into my memory.
  Jack Gibson will always be known for his outstanding service to our 
country and his community. Above all, he will sorely be missed as a 
friend. I extend my deepest condolences to his wife, Elizabeth Haniken 
Gibson; his son, Stephen Anderson Gibson of Boydell, Arkansas; his 
daughter Marcie Elizabeth Gibson of Little Rock, Arkansas; his sister, 
Mary Jane Bowman of Dermott, Arkansas; and to his nephews, 
grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends. Jack Gibson will be 
greatly missed in southeast Arkansas and throughout the State, and I am 
truly saddened by this loss.

                          ____________________