James Lawrence Gibbs

Trustee James “Beaver” Lawrence Gibbs was born on July 21, 1956, to the late Viola A. Gibbs and the late James Williams in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

James began his educational pursuits in the School District of Philadelphia and completed High School at the Friends Select School, also in Philadelphia, Pa. While attending Friends Select, James excelled in sports including Basketball and Soccer, culminating with his induction into the Friends Select School Sport Hall of Fame in 2015. James, a lifelong learner furthered his education by attaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration from Temple University and a subsequent Master of Human Services Degree from Springfield College in Delaware.

James served as a Trustee at Davis Temple Baptist Church, as well as being a member of other auxiliaries including being a member of the Male Chorus, the Davis Temple Mass Choir, and the renowned DT Express basketball team.

James met his dedicated wife, Jackie in 1974 and there were no obstacles that could keep him away from his “Baby Jack”. The two were married on June 16, 1978, celebrating 46 years of marriage. From this union, two children were born, Jamel and Janita. James and Jackie enjoyed traveling, fine dining, as well as sitting in the yard on a summer evening listening to music and the laughter of family.

James served selflessly in the United States Air National Guard, enlisting in 1980 and concluding his service in that branch with the rank of Staff Sergeant. James then transferred his service duties to the United States Army National Guard, retiring with the rank of Captain.

James worked extremely hard to take care of his family and provide them with a better life. James worked at UPS for over thirty years, while at times working at the Philadelphia Vision Center. In 1990 James started working at Girard Medical Center in 1990 where he served in various roles, starting as a Mental Health Worker, then he became a Mental Health Supervisor, finally settling in as a stellar Social Worker until his illness. James served as Program Director at ICCMN Crisis Residence for many years. James also spent several years in the Addictions Services/Substance Abuse Department at Ancora Psychiatric Hospital, continuing to provide those less fortunate with service and compassion.

James was a man who lived his life with integrity, compassion, conviction, love for the Lord, and love for all who came in contact with him. James was extremely generous and with his giver’s heart would provide you the shirt off of his back if you were in need.

James was a family man through and through and enjoyed every second of time spent sharing laughs or just being in the presence of loved ones, especially if the beach or a pool were involved. James was also a man who, when asked for advice, would provide you with it without passing judgment, just soft words and his confident smile. James was a great role model to many, and as a part of his continued legacy, we should all follow his path and chase our dreams.

On December 20, 2024, God called James home. James leaves to treasure his memory: His loving wife, Jackie Gibbs; Daughters: Janita Gibbs and Anitra Billington; Son: Jamel (Maria) Gibbs; Granddaughters: Jameela and Janae Gibbs; Nephew/Son: Charles Dyches; Brothers: William “Troy” Jackson, Ethelle “Boo” Jackson, and Keith Willliams; Mother-in-Law: Maggie Dyches; Father-in-Law: Whaley Dyches; Sisters-in-Law: Leomia Dyches, Wanda Dyches, Yolanda Dyches, and Renee Jackson(Troy); Brothers-in-Law: Wayne and Whaley Dyches; Aunts: Louise Boone, Evelyn Pryor, Johnnie Sue Pryor, Janie Jamison, and

Abbie Bell Tyler, as well as host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. James was predeceased by his brother, Christopher Williams.

Sorrowfully Submitted,

The Family

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