James E. "Jim" Gabbard

James E. Gabbard “Jim” went home to be with Lord May 31, 2026 with his wife, Faye and son, Chris by his side. Jim was born in Hamilton, Ohio March 16, 1950. Jim was married to his high school sweetheart Faye for 56 years. He was a devoted husband, loving father and cherished his grandchildren.

Jim was a faithful member of Twinbrook Hills Baptist Church where he served as a trustee. He was was a master carpenter and used his talent in remodeling and updating the church sanctuary and building. He felt the Lords house needed to be taken care of and he spent many hours doing so.

Jim has one son, Chris, and would start a conversation talking about his miracle. He would witness to everyone about the Miracle God performed in saving Chris's life after he was in a river rescue training exercise and was under water for 30 minutes. He would talk in detail about what he saw God do in the miracle of saving his life.

Jim so loved his grandchildren Chloe Jenee' and Aiden James. He watched them grow up with love and pride and always took time to be a part of their lives. He was always there for any academic, sports activity or anything they participated in. They were a special joy in his life and he was willing to go anywhere or do anything with them (dance recital, t-ball, soccer) when he was with them he was happy.

Jim loved playing golf with his son and grandson and would give pointers on how to play. His favorite hobby was his classic cars. He enjoyed going to car shows and cruise ins where he would fellowship with his many friends. He said his car was not only for showing but for driving. At the shows when young children came to look at his car he would let them set in drivers seat while parents took pictures. The child would smile and Jim had a even bigger smile watching them.

Jim used his joy for cars to start a car show at church and it became an annual event. It grew from a small start to an annual event of bringing car enthusiasts and the community together in a day of fellowship and witnessing.

After Jim retired he still continued to work using his talents as a master carpenter, he liked being busy. He started each morning having breakfast with his friends. Then he would go to whatever project and work with his friend Gary of 46 years.

Jim leaves behind his wife, Faye; his son, Chris; his grandchildren, Chloe and Aiden; his sisters, Judy Clair, Deloris Deem, Lillian and Lenard Bailey, and Sylvia and Steve Vaughn; his brother, Darrell; and his many nieces, nephews, special friends, and his church family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Betty Gabbard; his brothers, Jerry and Ronnie; and his sister, Doris.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 8, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Twinbrook Hills Baptist Church, 40 Wrenwood Dr., Hamilton, Ohio, 45013. Funeral service will be held at 12:30 PM with Pastor Ken Ogle officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Burial Park.