James R. “Jimmy or Jim” Gibb died Tuesday, January 7, 2014, at his home in The Villages, Florida.
Born December 1, 1937, in Homestead, Pennsylvania, he was the first born son of the late John Gibb and Clementine Herbert Gibb. His parents were born in Scotland and Jimmy was the first generation born in the USA.
He was a graduate of Duquesne Senior High and Robert Morris Business College.
He was a 50-year member and Past Master of the Homestead, Pennsylvania Masonic Lodge #582 F. & A. M.; 50-year member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry-Valley of Pittsburgh and 50-year member of the Syria Shrine also in Pittsburgh.
Jimmy retired from NRAO in January 2006 having served in the capacity of Fiscal Officer. While still employed at NRAO, Jim took training and served as an Emergency Medical Technician for many years.
He had the opportunity to travel to some of the other NRAO sites and affiliates, including Chili, where he made many close friends.
While living in Marlinton, Jim enjoyed serving on Town Council. He attended the Local Government Leadership Academy twice each yr. and graduated with the highest honor one can obtain. He was serving his second term when he retired and moved to Florida.
He was a past president of The Marlinton Rotary Club and a “Paul Harris Fellow.” He really enjoyed his time with the club doing community service and fellowship with club members.
He was Christened and Confirmed in The Homestead United Presbyterian Church and served as a Deacon there. Upon moving to West Virginia in 1973, he joined the Arbovale United Methodist Church. In 1995, he moved to Marlinton, where he joined and was quite active in The Marlinton United Methodist Church having served in the capacity of Chairman of the Trustees.
Upon moving to Florida, he joined New Covenant United Methodist Church where he was again active having served as a Greeter and an Usher. He enjoyed the Tuesday morning Men’s Prayer Breakfast and golfing with the men of the Church. He was a member of Ralph Hartke’s men’s small group which he enjoyed tremendously.
Upon retiring, Jim and wife Linda moved to The Villages, Florida, in October 2006.
He enjoyed golfing with his neighbor Ron Bird and friend Ralph Hartke.
He was a member of the West Virginia Mountaineer Club of The Villages; the second Pittsburgh club of The Villages; and his most favorite club of all the Buffalo Booster Club of The Villages. He enjoyed water walking at the neighborhood pool and acquired many good friends, some of whom he enjoyed going to sporting events with at The Villages Charter School, away high school games and also to Tampa and bowl games.
He is survived by wife Linda Negley Gibb; son Robert “Bob”, and wife, Bev of Paden City; son Scott, and wife Melissa “Missy,” of Marlinton; daughter Margaret “Maggie” and husband, Steve McCurrie, of Paterson, New Jersey; grandsons John of Hattiesburg, Mississippi.; Andrew of Huntington, Tim and David of Marlinton, granddaughters Audrey and Anna of Paden City, and grandson Patrick James McCurrie of Paterson, New Jersey.
Also survived by brother Donald and wife Linda of Ocala, Florida.
Jimmy was cremated and a Celebration of his Life will be held on Mar. 8, 2014 in The Villages, Florida, at the Odell Recreation Center.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Marlinton Rotary Club; c/o Roger Trusler; PO Box 24; Marlinton, WV 24954.
