James Thomas Gibbs

Jim was born in Spokane, WA April 24th, 1939 to Leo T. and Theresia M. Gibbs. He grew up in Spokane, attending St. Ann's Grade School and ran track while attending Hamilton Middle School.

At the age of 17, Jim joined the United States Navy, being told he would be on the same ship as his big brother, Bob. It did not turn out that way. Jim completed his tour of three years of service, known as a “Kiddie Cruise’’ for those entering service under the age of 18, and was honorably discharged in April of 1960, just before his 21st birthday.

Jim returned to Spokane and began dating his future wife, Jacqueline “Jackie” J. Christie, after the Navy. In June of 1960 he was offered a job in Seattle as an encyclopedia salesman. Jim asked Jackie to move to Seattle with him, at which time she said she could not unless they were married. So Jim proposed and they were married in July of that same year. Jim and Jackie were blessed to have a marriage that lasted over 55 years.

They started their married life by moving to Seattle WA. Only a few months later they moved back to Spokane to be near their families when Jackie found out they were pregnant with their first of three girls – Jacqueline, Jennifer and Janice. In 1970 Jim and all the “Gibbs Girls” moved to Portland Oregon. Jim would say his greatest accomplishment was his family.

Jim was in successful in sales and marketing all of his life. He began selling peanuts in the ballpark at the young age of 10. Jim was also the youngest Insurance Agent Penn Mutual Insurance Company ever had. Over the years, Jim was the proud owner of several furniture and electronics businesses.

Jim was also very active in his civic duties. He was a member of the Spokane Chamber of Commerce where he held the office of President. Jim was the proud recipient of the Drysdale award. Jim was also honored to be chosen as Speaker of the House for Model Legislature of the State of Washington in Olympia.

Jim and Jackie enjoyed traveling and would often take friends and family on trips with them around the world. Jim loved to have a party and was known for his elaborate Halloween costume parties and Christmas gatherings where Santa would surprisingly always have time to visit and would have a special toy for every child in attendance. Jim had a great smile and a big heart. Jim was very generous and would often go to great lengths to help others. Jim would always make everyone feel welcome.

He was preceded in death by his father Leo Gibbs; his mother, Theresia Gibbs, his sister Nadine Frawley and his brother Robert Gibbs.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Jackie; his daughters Jacquie (Dave) Chambers, Jennie (Tom) Sommer, and Janice (Tom) Barnard; his eight grandchildren - Ashley Chambers, Samantha Sommer, Katie (Spencer) Rydman, and Tommy Sommer, Amanda, Matthew, Caressa and Sarah Barnard; and one great-grandchild – Madison-Riley Paige Barnard; sisters Gloria McCarthy, Darlene Power, and Marie Fruin; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Our family would like to sincerely thank Heartwood Memory Care Facility in Woodburn, Oregon and Signature Hospice for their loving care of Jim.

A visitation will be held Fri. May 15th from 1-5pm at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home, 520 W Powell Blvd, Gresham, OR 97030.

The funeral mass will be held at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home Sat. May 16th at 2pm.

The Committal Service will be held in Willamette National Cemetery on Mon. May 18th at 9am.