James David Gibbs

Profile Updated: January 21, 2022
James David Gibbs
Class Year: 1972
Residing In: Brentwood, TN USA
Spouse/Partner: Kaye L. LaFollette
Homepage: www.espaces.com
Occupation: Lawyer / Business Owner / Investor
Children: Grant, born 1988; Rachel, born 1992
Yes! Attending Reunion
Are you an independent business owner/entrepreneur? If yes, tell us about it. If no, please skip this question and leave it blank.

Yes. With a partner I acquired an insurance services firm in 2005 as a turnaround, and sold it in 2013. I was a principal investor in our main business today but took over as acting CEO when it became clear that it required a major overhaul of its business model and leadership. It survived Covid and is now growing nicely.

Comments:

It has been quite a journey. After FHHS in '72, on to college, law school, the courtroom, corporate practice, Husband to Kaye, back to the courtroom, Dad to Grant, leadership in business, Dad to Rachel, board work, business ownership, travel, hunting, fishing, gardening, investing and stewardship initiatives. Most of all, I am blessed to have so many wonderful friends and family members all along the way. I'm a blessed man!

School Story:

Mostly FHHS Symphonic and Marching Bands, then student government (worked closely with Doug Carlton, Phil Wiggins, et al.). Music friends Al Petteway, Phil Wiggins, John Messenger, David Finlayson, Bryant Cochran, Kevin Trevillian, Bob Bradley and lots of others, along with drama friends Kerry Giese, Bob Swiggard, Roger Reaves, Nick Savales, Suzanne McElroy and others, all of whom were far more talented (and most smarter) than I in every category. Some of the best teachers I have encountered (Frank Wickes, Bob James, John Dingle, Mr. Patrick, Suzanne Hannay, Ed Gasick, and many others. Got to have a hand in the "concert craze" - Spirit (interesting to meet in the locker room), The Association, and probably others I can't remember all performing in the FHHS gymnasium. Worked at Man's World with Dana Ellerbe, Toni Hoover, Mari Normyle, Terry Shawn. What a ride.

How often do you get back to Alexandria?

Infrequently but sometimes (I have a brother who lives in Arlington: John B. Gibbs - FHHS Class of 1965)

Do you still see/talk to/hang out with any classmates? Who?

Still in touch with Bryant Cochran,Lisa Butterfield, Toni Hoover, Bob Bradley and others, including Facebook friends.

What would we be surprised to know about you?

That I turned out to be politically conservative and good at business.

What are your memories of high school (i.e. secret crush, embarrassing moment, funniest thing you did in high school, favorite high school hang out, favorite teachers)?

Favorite teachers: Frank Wickes, John Dingle, Suzanne Hannay, Bob James, Ed Gassek, Mr. Pate.

Biggest thing you would do differently if you went back to your time at high school?

Be a lot kinder, gentler and far more grateful for the people around me.

James David's Latest Interactions

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Aug
03
Aug 03, 2025 at 4:33 AM
James David Gibbs added a comment on Profile.
Aug
01
Aug 01, 2025 at 9:35 AM
James David Gibbs added a comment on Profile.
Jul
24
Jul 24, 2025 at 9:41 AM
James David Gibbs has left an In Memory comment for Kathryn Mary Cruze.
Jul
21
Jul 21, 2025 at 10:39 AM

Such sad news and far too soon for her to leave us. And what a career!

I only wish I had known her better. Rest in peace, Kathy. You're home now.

James David Gibbs posted a message. New comment added.
Jul
08
Jul 08, 2025 at 8:25 PM

Posted on: Jul 08, 2025 at 12:21 PM

Happy Birthday, John. Sending you all best wishes.

Jul
02
Jul 02, 2025 at 10:06 AM

Happy Birthday, Mark! I hope this finds you doing well.

Aug 03, 2024 at 4:33 AM
Jul 13, 2024 at 7:36 PM

I miss him. He was truly an inspiration. He pushed his students to think, but was a gentle, funny and kind person. We drove to Colorado after I graduated in '72. A terrific experience.

Aug 03, 2023 at 4:33 AM
Jul 08, 2023 at 8:39 AM

Happy Birthday, John. All best wishes for many more!

Aug 03, 2022 at 4:33 AM
James David Gibbs added a comment on Profile.
Jul 08, 2022 at 7:47 AM
James David Gibbs added a comment on Profile.
Jul 02, 2022 at 12:36 PM
Feb 20, 2022 at 6:24 AM

Good to see your update, John. Congratulations on your beautiful family!

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Feb 11, 2022 at 8:43 AM
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Feb 04, 2022 at 9:11 AM
Jan 21, 2022 at 11:56 AM
Aug 03, 2021 at 4:33 AM
James David Gibbs added a comment on Profile.
Mar 11, 2021 at 8:02 AM
Aug 03, 2020 at 4:33 AM
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