Remembering James Douglas Gibson
Jim was born into this world naturally curious. As a small child he was caught eating the cat food just to see how it tasted! He wanted to know how things worked and was always interested in other people’s experiences and stories. Jim was a favorite uncle to his nieces and nephews. Who wouldn’t love an uncle that would chase them around the house with his eyelids turned inside out! Jim would lay on the floor and beg the kids to walk on his back, which they loved to do! Jim was a true outdoorsman and loved skiing, kayaking, fishing, camping, and scuba diving. Jim loved living in Skagit County. He enjoyed photography and would often rise early on a Saturday morning to catch the sunrise and the Snow Geese in the fields. Some of his photos were published in magazines. Jim made many friends through the years. He participated in gymnastics and football in high school and cherished the lifelong friendships he had with the “Burien Boys” with whom he graduated.
Jim volunteered for the US Army in 1966 and served as a radio operator in Vietnam. He attended Western Washington University Huxley College and graduated with a degree in Environmental Science. Subsequently he lived in Alaska and Hawaii before hiring on with the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community as a shellfish biologist for 39 years. Jim cherished those relationships and they carried over into his retirement as he had a constant stream of visitors providing him with emotional support as he weathered the effects of ALS, which ultimately led to his death.
Jim’s positive attitude and the help of his caring family and friends allowed him to remain home in his final days. It is hard to imagine a world without Jim, but he will always be in our hearts and in our minds.
Written by Lance Gibson (James’ brother).
