James Gibbs

Resided in Gladstone, MI
Died April 16, 2007

James “Jim” Gibbs Sr., age 86, of 7620 Lake Bluff 19.4 Road, died peacefully at his home in Gladstone Monday morning April 16, 2007, surrounded by his loving family.
Jim was born July 31, 1920, in Escanaba, the son of Horace and Elizabeth (O’Connor) Gibbs. He was raised in Perkins and attended and graduated from the Rock High School. Following school, Jim worked at the Gibbs family store in Perkins before enlisting in the United States Army during WWII. On November 11, 1946, Jim married the former Margaret Sandstrom at the All Saints Church in Gladstone and together the couple raised their family throughout the world during Jim’s enlistment. Jim served one tour of duty in Japan and two tours of duty in Germany and between his tours, he worked as an Army recruiter in Escanaba and surrounding areas. Jim retired from the United States Army, in 1966, following twenty six years of service to his country. Upon his discharge, Jim went to work for REA Express before acquiring a position and retiring from Prudential Insurance Company, as a life insurance agent. Jim was a member of the All Saints Church, Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post #71 and the R.S.V.P (Retired Senior Volunteer Program). Jim enjoyed volunteering as a bus driver for the Escanaba senior citizens, playing the card game “smear” at the All Saints Church in Gladstone, cheering for the Detroit Tigers and Green Bay Packers, cooking and entertaining at camp and spending time with his loving family and grandchildren. Jim also enjoyed ice fishing before it became to dangerous to continue. He will be deeply missed by family and friends.

Survivors include:

2 Sons: Jim (Pam) Gibbs Jr. of Gladstone, MI; Tom Gibbs of Escanaba, MI

5 Daughters: Sue (Dr. Tom) Noren of Marquette, MI; Mary (Bill) Bandish of EauClaire, WI; Cathy (Tom) Pearson of Escanaba, MI; Margie Preston (Mark) Lyon of Gladstone, MI; Chris (Brian) Tryan of Gladstone, MI

1 Brother: Tom Gibbs of Perkins, MI

4 Sisters: Elaine Trottier Watervliet, MI; Margaret Tomlinson of Detroit, MI; Mary (George) DePuydt of Soo Hill, MI; Betty Rockwood of Grand Rapids, MI

11 Grandchildren: Shelly, Jenny, Scott, Julie, Amy, Sandy, Joe, Katie, Cory, Kylie and Kacie

3 Great Grandchildren: Austin, Kaden and Westin

Also surviving are many nieces, nephews and cousins

In addition to his parents, Horace and Elizabeth and his loving wife Margaret, Jim was preceded in death by:

1 Daughter: Sandy Gibbs

3 Brothers: Horace Jr., Monsignor Wilbur “Bill” and Edward “Bud” Gibbs

5 Sisters: Audrey, Jane, Dorothy, Loretta and Joyce

The Gibbs family will receive friends on Thursday from 3:00PM to 5:30PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Funeral services celebrating the life of James G. Gibbs Sr. will follow visitation, at 6:00PM, at the All Saints Church with Rev. Fr. Arnold Grambow and Rev. Fr. Emmett Norden officiating. Luncheon will follow in the All Saints Parish Hall at the conclusion of funeral services. Military rites will be conducted at the Gardens of Rest Cemetery by the Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post #71 followed by committal services on Friday at 10:00AM. Contributions in Jim?s name may be directed to the Barrier Free Project of All Saints Church. Envelopes will be available at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. The Gibbs family would like to thank Marquette General Home Hospice Care for their wonderful services to all of their family during these final days of Jim’s life. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Gibbs family with arrangements.

2 Tributes for “James Gibbs

    I was sorry to hear of Jim’s passing, however, the memories of his bright personality and unique story telling abilities bring a smile to my face. I was privileged to know Jim during the ’80s and will never forget him.
    Bob Bezzi
    Scandinavia, WI

    Sorry to read about your loss. I enjoyed the time I spent with him.

    Scott Feero
    St. Paul, MN

    I know I’m partial being one of Jim’s children, however, there wasn’t a sweeter, genuine man who loved God and his family fervently. The lessons we were taught by the morals he lived by are invaluable. Dad was also a story teller, partier (in his day) and an avid sports participant & coach & finally an avid fan. He’s gone on to be with his beautiful wife and some other terrific families members who have gone before him.
    Cathy (Gibbs) Pearson
    Escanaba, MI

    Hello Mary and Family,

    I remember your parents with affection. I was your paperboy for several years when you all lived in Escanaba–many years ago. And Mary and I were friends in high school. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Your dad was a very good man.

    Dave Stacey
    Arcata, CA

    God bless Jimmy Gibbs! A great man with a genuine joy for people and for life. Our thoughts and prayers are with his dear family, siblings, grand children and many, many friends as you celebrate and commemorate his life.

    Mark Gibbs (son of John Gibbs, nephew of Jim and son of Horace Jr.)
    The Gibbs – Colleen, Mark, Tess, Kalen and Ella
    Wilmette, IL

    The Philbins’ remember the many good times, good humor and sincere family life as played out on and off of each other, especially Aunt Margie and Uncle Jim. May they enjoy their family reunions as they enjoy their resurrection in the Lord. God bless to one and all.

    Thomas Philbin,Lisa,Annalissa,Roland,Jessica and Joellyn
    Grand Rapids, MI

    Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Gibbs family. Uncle Jim will surely be missed.

    Jim & Ann Burns & family
    Grand Rapids, MI

    I was assigned to Fulda Germany in 1964. I met the Gibbs family and they immediately took me in as one of tethering own. Jim and Margaret were the best friends and family a soldier could want. They treated me royally. Sorry it has taken me all these years to find them . Love you all
    Timothy R Warner, SGM retired.

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