Obituary of James R. Gibbons
Olean, NY – James R. Gibbons, 73, formerly of E. Elm St, died peacefully in his sleep on Friday (February 16, 2018) at The Pines nursing home after a long illness.
He was born on March 4, 1944, in Olean to James "JP" and Sophie Stavish Gibbons and lived most of his life in North Olean. He is survived by his wife Mary Ann (Hamed) Gibbons.
Jim started work at Dresser Rand in 1969 and retired in 2006 after 37 years of service. Some of his co-workers affectionately called him “Poopsie” and may remember his calendar showing off his lawn mowing outfit. Before Parkinson’s disease made it hard for him to get around, Jim could be seen walking all over town or sitting on the wall, or other areas on N. Union St., people watching. He was a huge fan of both the Chicago Cubs and the Buffalo Bills.
Jim was quite the character and had a good sense of humor coming up with many one-liners. Surprisingly when he moved into the nursing home after having a stroke in 2013 he could be heard singing many old tunes and had quite a nice singing voice. He often admitted he liked to entertain everyone. He became friendly with many of his caregivers at The Pines and many of them have a favorite story about him.
Besides his wife, Jim is survived by a son, Jason Gibbons of Chicago, IL, and two daughters, Margie Gibbons and Jaci Gibbons of Olean, NY. Jim had eight grandchildren: Jeremy Fisher of Olean, whom he helped raise; Lauren, Margaret, Mandy, Megan, Zach and Xander Gibbons, all of Chicago, IL and Colby Gibbons of Olean. He is also survived by two nieces: Cathy (Gibbons) Venus and Mary (Swatt) Parr and two nephews Mark Gibbons and Jim Swatt.
In addition to his parents, Jim was predeceased by two children; infant son Joey Gibbons in 1971 and his daughter Kylee Gibbons in 2011; as well as his brother David "Chester" Gibbons and his sister Margaret "Margie" Swatt. He was also predeceased by two ex-wives; Marilyn Meyer and TK Simon.
There will be no visitation. A graveside memorial will be announced for a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, Olean.
Because Jim loved animals, memorials if desired may be made to the SPCA, PO Box 375, Olean, NY 14760 or, because of the excellent care The Pines provided to Jim the five years he lived there, to Friends of Cattaraugus County Nursing Home, 2245 West State Street, Olean NY 14760, or to a charity of the donor's choice.
Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com.
