Gibson, James Lewis Jim Gibson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grand-father, and mentor to dozens of young track and field athletes over the years, died on Saturday, August 8. He was 87 years old. Jim had received excellent care at the Golden Living Center - Twin Rivers in Anoka, MN, for the past two years, and was surrounded by family until the end of his life. He is survived by his dear, devoted wife of 64 years, June; daughters Leslie Gibson (Steve Deger), Barbara Burnham (Rick), Susan Gibson (Mary Hinds), Laura Hill (Rick), and son Dana (Sue), as well as grandchildren Aaron Burnham, Andrea Burnham, Sarah Gibson (David Bute), Eric Gibson, Evan Gibson, Hannah Hill, Sam Hill, and great grandsons, Dante Hill and Owen Bute. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Alexander Cartwright Hill. Jim was an outstanding athlete as a young man, and as an adult, coached his children and countless others in AAU, TAC, middle school, and high school track and field programs in the Chicago area, as well as the Anoka High School and Champlin Park High School programs. In 2008, following major heart surgery, he returned to coaching, and guided the Champlin Park boys relay squad to a state championship on his 80th birthday. Jim served in the U.S. Navy under Admiral John S. McCain, Jr., and spoke fondly of his relationship with his commanding officer. He graduated from Penn State University with a degree in English, and made his career in sales with PPG Industries, moving his family from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Illinois, before settling in Anoka, Minnesota in 1974, primarily because of the school district's impressive scholastics and track and field programs. Jim grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, and was profoundly affected by racial discrimination against his friends and teammates. Consequently, as a father and coach, the most enduring life lessons he taught were about equality and acceptance. He loved music, all kinds of food and cooking, Penn State football, and a succession of Boston Terriers, most recently, Quincy. He will be sorely missed by his family, all of whom have no doubt that he is organizing foot races among the angels and getting them to their mark. A celebration of Jim's life will be held beginning with a visitation at 4 pm on Wednesday, August 19, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1415 Sixth Avenue South, Anoka, MN, followed by a memorial service and reception. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the local Humane Society and Trinity Episcopal Church.