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.