Jim Bob Kimbrough

Jim Bob Kimbrough, beloved husband, father, and veteran, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 21^st at home, surrounded by his family. He was 92 years old.

Born on November 26, 1931, Bob Kimbrough was raised in Mineral Wells, Texas, where he attended Union Hill School, Cullen Grimes and Mineral Wells High School. As a young man Bob delivered newspapers along 4th Avenue on horseback. In high school he played football and was a lifeguard at the historic Baker Hotel, he also found passion for riding bulls in rodeos. Although UIL member Bob Kimbrough was not allowed to play football and compete for money riding bulls, he did not let that stop him. Bob competed in rodeos as “Sheepherder Sims from Tootentale, Texas.” The crowd loved it and so did he.  

During the Korean War, Bob joined the Air Force, where he served as Crew Chief for a reconnaissance plane out of Sheppard Air Force Base. Following the Air Force, Bob began a successful career in the oil industry after moving to Seymour, Texas. It was here he met his wife, Ruth Burton Kimbrough. 

They were married in Mineral Wells and enjoyed 65 wonderful years together. He worked his way up in the oil industry starting as a pumper, then a salesman, eventually rising to the position of Vice President for Superior Ironworks & Supply. 

After the sale of Superior Ironworks, Bob moved to Abilene and started  Paramount Pipe & Supply, where he served as President. With the sale of Paramount Pipe and Supply, Bob founded Kimbrough Pipe & Supply, specializing in oilfield salvage. 

Bob’s love of horse racing lead him to establish a horse farm in Eula, Texas. His horses ran in New Mexico, Colorado, Louisiana, and Texas.

Upon retirement, Bob and Ruth returned to his family roots in Mineral Wells, where he took up ranching on the land that has been in his family since 1862. He was a long standing member of St. Luke’s Church and also served as President of the Union Hill Cemetery Association for many years. 

He is preceded in death by his father, George Wesley Kimbrough, his mother, Hannah Lorene Kimbrough, and sister, Jean Kimbrough. He is survived by his loving wife, Ruth, his children, Terry Kimbrough and wife Gloria of Mineral Wells, TX, Julie Tilman and husband Doug of Abilene, TX, Four grandchildren, Matt McLeod and wife Caroline of Houston, TX, Morgan Lamberth and husband Connor of Katy, TX, Erica Frazier and husband Blaine of Abilene, TX, Heather Reagan Taher and husband Sam of Liberty Hill, TX. Three great grandchildren, Zach Taher and wife Anna of Elmhurst, IL, Ashleigh Taher of Houston, TX and Reagan Frazier of Bridgeport, TX. One great-great granddaughter, Madeline (Maddie)Taher, of Elmhurst, IL, a great-great grandson on the way, and host of other relatives and friends who will cherish his memory.

We would like express our gratitude to Louan, Jamie, and Rachel, for helping to make him more comfortable this past month. 

A funeral service to celebrate the life of Bob Kimbrough will be held on Saturday, April 27th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Luke’s Church, 600 NW 6^th Street, Mineral Wells, TX., with burial following at Union Hill Cemetery, Union Hill Rd. Visitation will be from 5 pm to 7 p.m., Friday, April 26th at Baum-Carlock Bumgardner Funeral Home, 302 W. Hubbard St. Mineral Wells. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Union Hill Cemetery Association and St. Luke’s Church in Bob’s memory.  

May he rest in peace, knowing that his life made a profound impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him.