Gibbs Enters Hall of Distinction

December 5, 2022

Alumnus Jim Gibbs (B.S. ’57) has been inducted into the Jackson School of Geosciences Hall of Distinction, an honor that is reserved for people who have been a part of building the Jackson School into what it is today and who have achieved exceptional standing within the geosciences in industry, government or academia.

Gibbs earned a bachelor’s degree in geology in 1957 prior to serving two years in the U.S. Navy as a communications officer. After his military service, Gibbs went back to school and earned a master’s degree in geology from the University of Oklahoma. He was first employed as a geologist by the California Company (now Chevron-Texaco) in New Orleans and Lafayette, Louisiana. In 1964, he opened an office in Dallas as a consulting geologist and independent oil and gas producer. He initiated drilling prospects, purchased and sold oil and gas leases, operated wells, and served as an exploration consultant to several companies.

Gibbs currently serves as chairman of the board of managers of Five States Energy, which he founded in 1985. He has served as president and an honorary life member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists and is currently chair of the AAPG Foundation board of trustees as well as president and life member of the Dallas Geological Society. He is a frequent lecturer at professional meetings and various universities. Gibbs has been a member of the Jackson School Geology Foundation Advisory Council for over 20 years and, as a fervent supporter of geoscience education, has established a graduate fellowship at the Jackson School, as well as supported multiple other scholarship endowments.