GIBBS, James C. – of Grand Blanc, age 79, completed his journey on earth and entered into the presence of his Savior, Jesus, on Thursday, December 6, 2018 at Genesys Regional Medical Center. A service to celebrate his life will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at Hill Funeral Home, 11723 S. Saginaw Street, Grand Blanc, Michigan. Visitation will take place from 2 to 4p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, December 11, 2018. Jim was born in Fairview, Montana on September 9, 1939, the son of the late Reverends Clyde and Edith Boyd Gibbs. He was raised in Montana where he learned to love the outdoors. He moved to Springfield, Missouri to attend Evangel College and pursue a degree in education. During his time in Springfield, he met the love of his life, Judi Snyder, and they were married on June 19, 1966. Together they built a family with God and love at the center. Jim went on to earn a master’s degree in administration from Drury College. Following his passion for education, history, and art, along with the desire to impact the lives of youth, Jim became a teacher. He taught one year in Sullivan, Missouri and then spent the remainder of his 39-year teaching career at Brandon High School in Ortonville, Michigan. With his quiet demeanor and kind smile, others were drawn to Jim. He always made time to talk to people, even strangers, and was interested in what they had to say. He listened intently and made people feel comfortable in his presence. He was soft-spoken and humble, full of wisdom, advice, and stories. Jim had a dry sense of humor that was often the source of laughter. Jim was creative and enjoyed everything about art, especially painting. He was also a skillful craftsman and their home is filled with his custom creations. He enjoyed being busy, helping others, and was a hard worker. With a servant’s heart Jim always stepped in to lend a hand. Jim will long be remembered as a person who lived his life by example. He showed others what it means to be like Jesus. He lived a life of love for his wife, children, grandchildren, his family, his friends, and anyone he met. He embodied a “family man” and was actively involved in the lives of his children. Even as they became adults he loved spending time with them as his children and as friends. He took delight in his grandchildren, attending school events, dance recitals, games, and graduations. He was a constant, reassuring presence at anything they were involved in. Throughout the years, many have entered and stayed at the Gibbs home. Whether family or not, all were welcomed, cared for, and loved. Jim will remain a role model and influence for generations to come. Surviving are his beloved family: wife of 52 years, Judi Gibbs; daughter, Jennifer (Robert) Strygulec; son, Jason Gibbs; grandchildren, Brittany, Steven, Sarah (and husband Scott Kern), Avery, Sophie, Audrey and Nolan; first great-grandchild (Baby Kern) is expected next month; brothers and sister, David (Rochelle) Gibbs, Marylee (Charles) Jennings, Carl (Terri) Gibbs and William (Laurie) Gibbs; brother-in-law, Pastor Jeff Brussaly; and several nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and by his sister, Gwen. Donations in Jim’s memory can be made to Africashope.org
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