He was born November 7, 1996 in Ventura, CA to Kevin and Brenda (Childs) Gibson.
Surviving are his mother, Brenda Gibson of West Peoria, four siblings, Reneta Moehn of Peoria, Briana Gibson of Peoria, Amarri Gibson of Honolulu, Hawaii, and Kelonni Gibson of Peoria; Paternal grandparents Pastor John L. (GiGi) Gibson; nieces and nephews, Daveon, Ranya, DeNetra, Kyle, and Drue, and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, Kevin Gibson, Maternal Grandparents, Mary Turntine and Edward Childs, and Paternal Grandmother, Victory Gibson.
Jamanni was a graduate of Manual Academy. He was yearbook editor, Battalion Commander of the J.R.O.T.C., member of the Honor Guard and Color Guard, was the 2015 Regional and Sectional Champion for Manual Academy Speech Team and placed 10th overall in Oratorical Declamation at the State Finals. Jamanni's organizations and accomplishments included, attending Boy's State, conducted Morning announcements, Drill Team, Elite Youth Outreach Program member, Freemdom Foundation at Valley Forge, Hope Renewed Youth Conference, Key Club, Prom King 2015, "The Rammies" award creator, Rotary Club Sterling Merit Award and Outstanding Student Award, Scholastic Bowl, School Mayor, Student Council, Top 10, Mostly likely to succeed 2015, and most Outgoing Senior 2015. Jamanni attended the University of Illinois at Chicago from 2015 to 2017, majoring in Urban Development and minoring in Political Science.
Jamanni joined the U.S. Army on July 11, 2017 and was assigned to Golf Forward Support Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. Private First Class Gibson attended Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and advanced Individual Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, as an 88M, Motor Transport Operator. Upon Completion of his initial training, Private First Class Gibson's first assignment was at Joint Base Lewis- McChord, Washington, with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment. He arrived to his unit on December 1, 2017 and served as a Heavy Vehicle Operator with Distribution Platoon. Private First Class Gibson served honorably during his Army career. He was an outstanding Soldier whose diligence and hard work were well-known and respected by all he came across. Private first Class Gibson's awards and decorations included the Army Achievement Medal (1OLC), Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Marksmanship Badge- Expert, and the Army Service Ribbon.
He had a great love for family and going on trips. He liked the outdoors, exploring large cities and the architecture of the buildings around him. Jamanni enjoyed all cultures of food and finding unique places to eat. He loved bicycling and had a thirst for knowledge.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 31, 2018 at noon with visitation from 10 am until the time of service at the Manual Academy Auditorium. Pastor Spencer Gibson Jr. and Rev. Dennis Warr Jr. will officiate. Burial will follow at Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria.
Memorials may be made to the Jamanni Gibson scholarship fund to be established. Words of comfort can be shared with the family at www.davison-fulton.com.
