James Alexander Gibson's Obituary
James Alexander Gibson departed this earth for his Heavenly home Sunday evening, May 20, 2012, at the Meijer Heart Center in Grand Rapids. He was 76. James, known to most as Jim, was born in Big Rapids in 1936 to Alexander and Bertha (Kyle) Gibson and lived there his entire life. In 1955, while at the Big Rapids Roller Rink on Michigan Ave., he met Sally Josephine Franck, the woman who was to become his wife and companion for the next 54 years. They were married August 3, 1957, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Big Rapids. Jim was a faithful member of the St. Peter's congregation, serving as both an elder and member of the board of trustees. Jim was a longtime employee of the Big Rapids Public School system, serving 35 years as bus driver, custodian, and director of buildings and grounds while Sally worked as the high school's administrative assistant. After his retirement, Jim worked for the Mecosta County Parks. As an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, hunting, camping and woodworking in his free time, this role suited him well. Jim was also an excellent cribbage player. James and Sally were blessed with many things during their life together, most notably three daughters, Debra Gibson of Clarkston, Cynthia (Walter) Lutzke of Big Rapids and Carol (David) Bradshaw of Dexter, all of whom survive him. The couple was also blessed with many grandchildren: Jim Lutzke of Portland, Ore.; Alex (Jackie) Lutzke of Indianapolis, Ind.; Jennifer (Randy) Riddle of Brighton; Heather Bradshaw and fiancée Richard Sherrer of Toledo, Ohio; and Michael Bradshaw of Dexter. These grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, Oliver and Margot Lutzke of Indianapolis, Ind., survive him. Jim is also survived by his brother John (Mary) Gibson, cousin Bob (Nadine) Johnson, cousin Patricia Fisher, Brother in law Jim (Joanne) Franck, Sister in law Marge Meador, Sister in law Lois (Jack) Grotenrath, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister in law (and brother in law) Joan (Carl) Waldron, sister in law (and brother in law) MaryAnna (Jim) Waldron and brothers in law Dock Meador and Norbert Kiaunis. Friends and family of Jim are invited to gather at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 408 W. Bellevue, Big Rapids, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 24. Visitation will start at 10:00 a.m., one hour prior to the service. Memorials in honor of Jim may be made to St. Peter's Lutheran Church & School.
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