Dr. Scott Gibbs

Dr. Scott Randall Gibbs, 58, died peacefully Friday, July 10, 2015, at his home in Jackson. He was surrounded by loved ones.

Scott is survived by his wife, Barbara Gibbs of Jackson; children, Carol (Richard) Feiner, Alexander Koenig, Eric Koenig, Elizabeth Gibbs, William Gibbs, Matthew Gibbs, Benjamin Gibbs and Michael Gibbs; his mother, Peggy Gibbs of Ballwin, Missouri; and siblings, Monte (Suzanne) Gibbs of Ballwin, Michaelle (John) Trottier of St. Robert, Missouri, and Jeff (Sheryl) Gibbs of Ferguson, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his father, Monte Gibbs.

Scott was born March 11, 1957, in St. Louis.

He attended Parkway West Senior High School and graduated in 1975. Scott then relocated to Columbia and attended the University of Missouri. There he received bachelor of arts, master of arts and doctor of medicine degrees.

As a medical student, Scott was invited by a neurosurgery resident into the operating room to observe a procedure. This experience allowed him to imagine a life as a neurosurgeon, a career that would define his life. In 1992, Scott began his neurosurgery residency at the University Hospital & Clinics in Columbia. He became a board certified neurosurgeon in 2002.

Scott met Barbie, a neuro ICU registered nurse, during his residency. They married in October 1996 in Columbia.

After the completion of his residency, the family relocated to Jackson, and Scott built his neurosurgery practice, the Brain & NeuroSpine Clinic in Cape Girardeau. An accomplished neurosurgeon and businessman, he sought cutting-edge technology that would improve the lives of his patients and better the community.

Scott loved his wife and children very much. He is remembered by his family as a visionary, dreamer, artist and compassionate father and husband. He was a gourmet chef, a wine connoisseur, a master gardener, a helicopter pilot and a collector of all things interesting and unique.

Each morning, he made Barbie a latte with a heart on top. He loved to water ski and snow ski and boasted about his "cat-like reflexes" to his kids.

He was a world traveler who emphasized greatness and education in all things he did, no matter how small.

Scott was a passionate, dedicated physician. He established the International Brain Foundation to promote education about the brain. He traveled to local schools to educate children and adults about the human brain and its power.

Scott designed the Brain Balloon, the largest, most complicated hot air balloon at the time, to draw attention to his foundation.

He worked closely with the Jamaican Christian Medical Mission, traveling to Jamaica every two years to administer health care to hundreds of people who were otherwise without the means for care.

He delivered hundreds of keynote speeches and presentations in the U.S. and abroad. Serving as a consultant in the health-care industry, Scott helped to shape the products used in neurosurgery today. He formed international relationships to extend the reach of his life's work.

He was a writer, an editor, a researcher and an expert witness. Scott's integrity defined him, and he encouraged everyone he knew to hold themselves to the highest standard.

Scott Gibbs touched and saved many lives. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues and many, many patients.

Visitation will be Friday from 2 p.m. to time of rosary at 7 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Jackson. At 7:30 p.m., the Rev. John Harth will officiate the funeral Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Jamaican Christian Medical Mission, c/o Evangelical United Church of Christ, 33 S. Ellis St., Cape Girardeau, MO 63703; Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 208 S. Hope St., Jackson, MO 63755, icjacksonmo.com or Hope Children's Home, 709 E. Main St., Jackson, MO 63755, hopechildrenshomejackson.com.

Arrangements by McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting mccombsfuneralhome.com.