James Edward Gibbs, 44, a resident of the Lyman community, went home to heaven on Saturday, March 19, 2011 after a 14 month battle with Leukemia (AML).
Jim was born in Yakima, WA on August 1, 1966. At the age of 5, he was adopted by Jack and Liz Gibbs. He loved growing up on Samish Island and had many wonderful memories. Jim graduated from Burlington-Edison H.S. in 1984 and then moved south of Seattle where he worked in manufacturing. He spent 12 years working for Crane Pro Industries/Kone Cranes in Kent, WA.
On August 14, 1993, Jim married Kyla Bennink, and the two made their home in Edgewood, WA and began their family there. They moved to Skagit Valley in 2003, and built a home on family property near Lyman. Jim was fortunate to get a job with Janicki Industries in 2008 where he enjoyed working as a project manager until his cancer diagnosis.
Jim was a hard working man, who enjoyed the outdoors, working on projects and playing with his kids. He loved the Lord, his family and his friends. Jim was so proud of his 4 children and was a wonderful husband and father.
Jim is survived by his wife, Kyla and his children, Nathan, Zachary, Elizabeth and Aaron; his father, Jack Gibbs of Sedro Woolley; his sister, Lisa Favorite of Massachusetts and numerous extended family members. He was preceded in death by his mother, Liz Gibbs, in 2009.
The Gibbs family wishes to thank Dr. Bruce Mathey and the staff at the North Puget Cancer Center and United General Hospital, their church family at Christ the King Community Church, Janicki Industries and the Homeschool Community for all their help, prayers, and support. They request that memorials be made to the North Puget Cancer Center, 2000 Hospital Drive, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284.
A Celebration/Memorial service will be held on Monday, March 28, 2011 at 2:00 PM at Christ the King Community Church, 2111 Riverside Drive in Mount Vernon with Pastor Mark Collins officiating. There will be a reception immediately following at the same location.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. Share memories of Jim and sign the online guest register at www.lemleychapel.com
I still remeber the first time I met you In the frount yard at Samish Il. We were so happy to see you. I was so proud to be your Aunt. You were loved
Dear Kyla and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know Jim before cancer but I could only imagine he was a great man.
Kyla, The last time I saw you at the cancer center. You were calling Hospice in to help with the last days of Jim’s life.. You looked so scared so I prayed for you that night… I asked you if Jim believed in God and You said YES! I truly believe there is no more pain and suffering in heaven,only happy times and no more tears. He will always be by your side all the time everyday,everywhere.
I will continue to pray for your family..You were his strength I could see it in his eyes..He was very lucky to have had you every step of his cancer journey.I will miss seeing you and Jim at the Cancer Center.
May memories comfort you and the children during this difficult time..
My heart aches for all of you.
May GOD bless you always and hold you tight.
In my thoughts,
Teresa Dethman
I’m sorry to hear about this, he was a good person. I haven’t seen him in awhile. I grew up with him out on the island and he was a good friend of mine.
They say God only takes the very best and this time I think he did..Jim was just one of those “Good Guys”. R.I.P. Jim we are glad for your sake that you are getting to sit at the right hand of God. You were loved and you will be very missed. I am glad I did get to know you. God bless you Kyla and the kids. I think the world of you guys.
My thoughts with the family. God bless them all.
Jim will be missed greatly missed at Janicki and I was honored to be able to work with him.
Now God has a great engineer to work in heaven