James Gibson

James Dean Gibson died on Monday, January 18, 2021 in Fruita, CO.  He was one day shy of 82.

He was born January 19, 1939 in Cameo, Colorado to Jake William and Daisy Thelma Gibson.  Jim was preceded in death by his parents; 1 son, Gibb B. Gibson; his sister Betty F. Courtney; and his brother Charles W. Gibson.

Jim grew up in a mining camp in Cameo, Colorado where he and his brother Chuck would “borrow” the truck as it took both of them to drive, with one at the wheel and the other on the pedals.  Aside from burning down the town when playing with matches, Jim and Chuck ran away from home….all the way across the field.  His parents watched them struggle for an entire week, catching and eating raw fish.  This experience led to a life-long distaste of fish.  At age 15, Jim again left home, this time on a bet that he could follow his brothers and join the United States Air Force.  After completing boot camp, his C.O. discovered he had lied about his age and asked that he return when he was older.  His father then signed permission, and at 16 he returned repeating his training with the same drill instructor, got his GED, and based on his C.O. recommendation was sent to specialized training.  He served in Air Force Intelligence stationed in Alaska during the Cold War.

Jim, like his father before him, was a miner.  He mined gold, silver, and uranium among other things.  Jim was always surrounded by rocks and saw their beauty and value much to his wife’s dismay.  He was an entrepreneur, small business owner, rancher, and inventor. Jim loved to travel and explore looking for places to mine, lost treasure, and proof of life on other planets.  He was born to be the center of attention with quick wit and storytelling that mesmerized audiences from 1 to hundreds.  His charisma was infectious, and he would make friends everywhere he went.  You could rarely enter any location where he didn’t already know someone.  Jim was an ordained pastor.  He loved studying the Word of God and sharing the Gospel with others.  His love of music was well known.  At one point, he toured as a promoter for groups like The Statesmen and The Stamps with Elvis Presley.  Jim played the mandolin and had perfect pitch.  He could sing anything from base to tenor and everything in between depending on his which family member or group with which he was singing.  An avid lyricist, he wrote many songs and performed in several different groups.

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Patricia A. Gibson of Fruita, CO; 1 son, Steven W. (Rose) Gibson of Clifton, CO; 3 daughters, Hope Y. Elliott of Escondido, CA; Cheryl M. (Eric) Carlton of Clifton, CO; Victoria L. (James) Ames of Palisade, CO; 1 brother, Dwain L. Gibson of Soldotna, AK; 2 sisters, Dolly O. McCune of Grand Junction, CO; Glenda J. (Eugene) Profeta of Massapequa, NY; 19 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Services will be at the Voice in the Wilderness Ministries at 198 Sunlight Drive, Orchard Mesa, CO with life-long friend Pastor Bill Harvey presiding.  Graveside services will follow at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery for immediate family only where Jim will be recognized with an honor guard.