James Houston Gilbert was born June 18, 1922 in Duncan, Oklahoma. James felt a call to preach while still in high school. This surprised many of his friends since he was known to be very shy. After high school he preached and held revival services for three years.

In 1943, James left Oklahoma, by faith, to attend Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri. He worked full-time and still carried a full load of classes. James graduated from Central Bible College in May of 1946. In June, he married Margaret Anspaugh, another CBC student from Dorrance, Kansas

The couple immediately began their first pastorate in the town of Cherryvale, Kansas. In 1947, James was ordained by the Assemblies of God.

During their years of ministry the pastored churches in Kansas, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Missouri and Texas. They also spent one year on the evangelistic field holding revivals across the country. His last ministry position was as Associate to the Pastor of Evangel Temple in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Brother Gilbert went to be with Jesus on December 21, 2010. He was eighty-eight years old.