James David Gibson

James David Gibson, age 76, of New Philadelphia, died Saturday morning at Wade Park Veteran’s Hospital in Cleveland following a lengthy illness. Born in New Philadelphia, March 14, 1928, he was a son of the late Beyer and Helen (Schlafly) Gibson. Jim attended New Philadelphia High School before joining the Timken Company. In 1949, he joined the United States Air Force and embarked on a career that would span two decades in service to his country at military installations from the Philippines to bases in Alaska, Wyoming, Wisconsin, California and Michigan. A member of the Wolf-Salem United Methodist Church, Jim was also affiliated with the Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion Post # 139, the New Philadelphia AMVETS # 1338, and enjoyed fishing, gardening and playing cards. He was also a former member of 40 & 8. He retired as Master Sergeant (MSGT) in 1969 from the Air Force. Mr. Gibson leaves behind a wife of 52 years, the former Edith Mae John. Together they raised a family of three sons; Ret. SMSGT James David Gibson Jr. of Dayton, O, Michael John (Roxanne) Gibson of Dover, and Patrick Olen (Diana) Gibson of New Philadelphia. He’ll be sadly missed by granddaughters; Christy Gibson of Dayton, Lindsay and Belinda Gibson of New Philadelphia, and Ashley Gibson of Dover, a step-grandson; Tyler Tope of Sherrodsville; a sister; Francis (George) Moser of Huntington Beach, CA, three brothers; Harry E. of Deersville, O., and John and George both of New Philadelphia.In addition to his parents a sister, Edna Levengood and two brothers Walt and Lloyd Gibson, precede Jim in death. Friends are invited to call Monday afternoon with the family present from 2-4 and 6-8 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Pastors Gary Marlatt and Terry Downin will co-officiate a 10:30 funeral ceremony on Tuesday morning, January 25 in the funeral home’s chapel. Members of the 88th Airbase wing of Dayton, together with local members of the American Legion, will render military honors at Ridgecrest Memory Garden prior to burial. A reception will be given in the Geib Family Center following the committal service. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 201 West Ohio Avenue, Dover, OH, 44622, and the American Heart Association, PO Box 182039 Dept.O13, Columbus, OH 43218-2039 at the request of the family.