James A. Gibson, April 30, 1933-July 11, 2011

James A. “Jim” Gibson passed away Monday, July 11, 2011, in Stein Hospice Care Center comforted by his family, companion Judy Klaholz and friends at his side.

Jim was born April 30, 1933, in Coeburn, Va. He was a two-year Korean War veteran, and spent two years in Army Reserve.

Jim moved to Sandusky after the war, working at Eastern State Mills, Warehouse Furniture, Lorain Ship Yard and Sandusky Ford Plant, transferring and retiring from Loran Ford Plant in 1996 as a pipefitter.

Jim was founder of Jim’s Body Shop in 1953, now known as Jim’s Auto Sales & Salvage in Sandusky, operating it until his oldest son Jim “Cotton” took over. Later joining him were his two other sons, Joe and Chris “Meatball”.

Jim is survived by his children, Sandy (Rick) Thaxton of Huron, Laurie Pedoli of Sandusky, Debbie Walton of Willard and Barbie Palinski and Teresa (Brian) Brown of Huron; sons, Jimmy (Jody), Joe (Tracy) and Chris (Dawn) Gibson, all of Castalia; 25 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; sister Audrey Wright of Virginia Beach, Va.; companion Judy Klaholz; and special friend Paul Jenkins of Huron.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Janice (Borsick); parents, Villey and Abby Gale (Coleman) Gibson; brothers Kester “Bud”, Wilford, Jack and Freddie Gibson; and sisters Jewel Wilson and Bobbie Gasparovic.

Jim was an avid deer hunter, hunting at the family “Hideaway” cabin in New Matamoras, Ohio. He enjoyed collecting antique cars, and restoring them, auctions and concerts.

Friends may call 4-8 p.m. Friday, July 15, at Foster Funeral Home, 410 Main St., Huron, where services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 16, followed by burial at Meadow Green Memorial Park, Huron.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Stein Hospice Services, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, OH 44870 or the Huron Rescue Squad, 413 Main St., Huron, OH 44839.
 
Condolences may be shared at fosterfh.com.