James Robert Gibson

Beloved father, grandfather and friend, James “Jim” Gibson, age 77 passed away December 4, 2018 at Essentia Hospital in Detroit Lakes, MN. He leaves his wife of 57 years, Susanna “Sue” Mae Gibson, as well as 5 children, Sons Thomas Gibson of Quartzite, AZ, Richard (Jodie) Gibson of Buhl, MN, Jesse (Tiffany) Gibson of Moorhead, MN and daughters Deb (Nick) Dorman of Detroit Lakes. MN, Heather (Jeremy) Pihlaja of Frazee, MN. He also leaves behind a brother, Merle (Lois) Gibson of Kelly Lake, MN. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Kenneth Gibson and Donald Gibson Jr. Jim also leaves behind many cherished grandchildren who were the ultimate joy in his life. Seventeen grandchildren, Brianna Gibson, Jasper Pihlaja, Jaden Pihlaja, Maggie Gibson, Karli Gibson, Nicolas Caballero, Claudia Caballero, Samantha Gibson, Nicholas Gibson, Jory Sirjord, Holland Olson, Olivia Dorman, Echo Dorman, Atlas Dorman, Tommy Gibson, Jonathan Gibson, and Kyle Gibson; eight great grandchildren; one brother, Merle (Lois) Gibson, of Kelly Lake, MN; and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim was born in Rock Island, IL on September 27, 1941. He was the fourth child of Donald E. Gibson Sr. and Helen B. Gibson. Jim moved to Grygla, MN when he was young and then several years later to Virginia, MN then to Embarrass, MN where he attended grade school. Later Jim moved with his parents and brothers to Palo, MN where he attended Aurora High School. Jim met Sue while attending a high school dance. They were married February 4, 1961 in Biwabik, MN. Jim and Sue spent many years on the Iron Range in Minnesota before moving to Detroit Lakes, MN in the late 1980’s. During his time on the Iron Range he spent time as a scout master, touching the lives of many children. Jim and Sue were introduced to the gospel by Merle and Lois Gibson in 1965. They attended Beacon Bible Church for many years. They were loving parents and raised their children according to the gospel. Their most cherished memories came from spending time with their children fishing and camping, specifically creating the tradition of white fishing in the boundary waters of Northern Minnesota. Jim also enjoyed a good game of pinochle with anyone who would like to play. Jim will be missed every day. His passion for God, unconditional love for everyone will always be an inspiration to everyone who crossed his path. Jim was a man who built his success on the strength of his family. Always there anytime with a hug or call, a card game or a piece of his mind or a story to tell.