James B. Gibson, b. Beckington, England on August 28, 1924, passed away peacefully, in his 94th year, at McCormick Home, London on January 1, 2018.
Loving husband of the late Florence Gibson (nee Pearson) (1925-2014). Devoted father of Judy Temple (Brad), Vicky Gibson, Jim Gibson (Dina), Michael Gibson (Nancy Pettigrew) and John Gibson. Proud grandfather of Matthew (Emily) and Melanie Temple, Tom and Amy Henderson, James and Sydney Gibson and Sam and Abby Gibson. Brother of the late Ted Gibson (Anne) and uncle to Keith and Lesley.
Dad was born to a simple life in a small town in Somerset England. He apprenticed as a tool and die maker, which became an important trade in wartime Britain. After the war, armed with his trade and in search of new opportunities, Dad emigrated to Canada. He soon found work with Richards Wilcox Engineering Dept. in London, Ontario. At the popular big band Saturday night dances at Wonderland Gardens, he met Florence Pearson from Ethel Ontario. They were married on his Mom’s birthday in October 1950. A promotion to sales with Richards Wilcox meant a move to Edmonton in 1952. This was quickly followed by the birth of Judy and in a few years, a move to Calgary, where Vicky, Jim and Michael were born. By then, Dad assisted in the development of Loblaws’ expansion into Western Canada. In 1962, opportunity beckoned back in London, so Dad and Mom returned to settle in Oakridge, where they made many dear friends. In 1965, John was born and happily completed the Gibson family.
In London, Dad was active with many entrepreneurial ventures including auto sales, construction, Red Barn, London Biochemistry Reference Laboratory and Americare Corporation. He also supported many community and charitable organizations and served in leadership roles with the Boy Scouts, the Downtown Business Association, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Fanshawe Pioneer Village, the Robarts Research Institute, the London Club and many others. A dapper dresser and a great speech-giver, Dad loved British cars and gardening.
Wherever they lived, Dad and Mom treasured time together with family and friends. They hosted many great gatherings, the more the merrier, especially at their cottage in Grand Bend and their condo in Sandestin, Florida. Dad loved Mom dearly and was her devoted caregiver for many years. The family is comforted to know that they are together again, holding hands and sitting quietly in warm sunshine, listening to Glenn Miller play softly in the background.
The family would like to thank the kind people at Longworth Retirement Home, McCormick Home, Anita Stenning, Marc Plimmer and Theresa Karbowniczek for their loving care. Online condolences may be made through Harris Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the McCormick Care Foundation or Fanshawe Pioneer Village.
A Celebration of James’ Life will held at the London Hunt and Country Club, 1431 Oxford St. West, on Saturday, May 26 from 12 noon to 2 pm, with remembrances at 1:00 pm.