James Matt Gibson, beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away after a brief illness at age 77 on Sunday, June 22, 2014 in Panorama City, CA. He was born in Timber Lake, SD on Jan 18, 1937.
He graduated from Custer High School in 1955 where he met and married Zilpha McKenna, his high school sweetheart, on June 23, 1957. They moved to Los Angeles, CA in September 1957 and he became a proud member of the Los Angeles Police Dept. on May 4, 1959. He retired as a Lieutenant in 1985. While working, he earned a degree in Public Administration from Redlands University in 1978. They belonged to a travel club and enjoyed many years of travel in the US.
James and Zilpha moved from Granada Hills to Valencia, CA in 1988. He was a member of Santa Clarita Elks and Santa Clarita United Methodist Church.
James is survived by his wife Zilpha; daughter Debbie of Agoura Hills, CA; sons Mark (Julie) of Emmitt, ID and Scott (Carol) of Valencia, CA; grandchildren: Jeff, Chris, Kaitlyn, and Connor Gibson; Amber and Adam Kantner; Christina and Amanda Barone; and great-granddaughter Alessandra.
A Memorial Service will be held in his honor at Santa Clarita United Methodist Church, 26640 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA on Friday, August 8, 2014 at 11:00 a.m., with a reception to follow. Donations in his name may be made to Santa Clarita United Methodist Church.