Mr. Robert Gilbert Thibeaux “Bobby” “Dump” James, age 76 of Port Arthur, Texas a life-long member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church passed away on September 18, 2017 at Senior Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center.  He was a graduate of Abraham Lincoln High School Class of 1959 where he was a skilled musician of the band, served as the Assistant Secretary of the Senior Class, a member of the military & Hi-Y Club, and voted the “Most Friendliest”.  Robert served his country as a veteran of the United States Air Force August 1959-June 1962.  Upon returning home, he became a Marine Merchant traveling to all parts of the world.  After retiring from the Merchant Marines, Robert spent many years as a caregiver for his grandchildren living in San Diego, California and Virginia.

Robert was preceded in death by his mother, Doris Thibeaux Davis, his father Robert Kinnerson, his step-father, Clarence James, his sister Cecilia James, his granddaughter Nailah Hall and his brother Michael Davis.  Robert married Barbara Martin of Port Arthur and had four children, Mavis Rodgers of Port Arthur and Rodrick James, Angela Muhammad, and Rhonda Hall all of Portland, Texas.   Robert remarried Joanna Brady of Port Arthur and had one daughter Joquesha James.  He also had affectionate love for Raiford James and April Johnson-Waldon as his own.  Robert had 15 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by: beloved sisters, Georgia Mae Kinnerson of Beaumont, Edna James Scott of Port Arthur, Sharon Kinnerson Henry of Beaumont, Monica Sigur of Richmond, Texas;  brothers, Raymond “Pat” Davis, Anthony Davis, Marcus Davis all of Port Arthur.

The service is scheduled 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at Gabriel Funeral Home, 2500 Proctor Street, Port Arthur, Texas.  Officiating will be Father Sampson Etim of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.  The burial will be Monday, September 25, 2017 at Houston National Cemetery in Houston, Texas under the direction of Gabriel Funeral Home.