James Arthur Tibbs arrived in heaven on August 22, 2017 at 8:00am at the age of 79. James was the son of Arthur Tibbs and Odessa Brown Tibbs. He was born on April 10, 1938 in Forbing Louisiana. James attended Booker T. Washington in Shreveport Louisiana where he earned his high school diploma in 1957. James served over 40 years in a government capacity which included, 21 years in the United States Air Force, 1 year in the United States Army, and the Veteran Administration, Robert Dole Regional Office in Wichita Kansas. James married Sylvia (Tibbs) Henninger. In their union, James and Sylvia gave birth to Janice, Sabrina, Cynthia and James Jr.

James love for Christ started at the early age, under the leadership of the late Pastor West at the Antioch Baptist Church in Louisiana and his committed to Christ continued during his adult life under the leadership of the late A.L. Scott at the Strangers Rest Baptist Church in Wichita, Kansas, Grace Missionary Bible Study under the leadership of late Thomas Pettis Sr. James were involved in donating his time, talents and resources to multiplicity of charities, schools and civic organizations. In 2000, James met and married Michelle Pettis in which they shared unconditional love for one another and their strong love for Christ, family, friends, music, laughter and attending historical sights. James was a lifelong learner, reading the Bible daily and documentaries. James encouraging words through cards, letters and phone calls will be greatly missed.

James Tibbs were preceded in death by Arthur and Odessa Tibbs (parents), Albert Brown (grandfather) Hattie Delores Tibbs (sister). He is survived by his dedicated wife Michelle, son: James Tibbs (Aleitra); and daughters: Janice Diane Gunner (Hilton), Sabrina Tibbs, Cynthia Tibbs; brother Lee A. Tibbs (Carolyn), Herman Tibbs, Oliver Moore Tibbs; sister Katherine Cookie Graham(Robert), grandchildren, great-grandchildren and several loved extended family members and friends.Family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 5, 2017 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Colonial Funeral Home of Leesburg, 201 Edwards Ferry Rd, Leesburg, VA  20176 where a service will immediately follow.  Interment will be at 2:00 pm at Quantico National Cemetery.