Jake Gibbs

When Jake and I were both teaching at BCTC, I would go into his office - first reading the funny cartoons posted all over his door! - and then we would have some wonderful conversations. At that time both of our kids were unhappy in the education system and we both felt there had to be a better way to learn. We talked a lot about different educational philosophies and together considered lots of options.
Jake to me was an independent thinker. He wasn't a contrarian but he never flinched...

Jake was the most weirdly normal person I encountered in grad schóol. He helped me get through the chaos with late night talks, evenings at High on Rose, and periodic motorcycle rides. I still use Jake terms like " tons of beer" and "earning groovy points", and noone knows what the hell I am talking about. Jake was a wonderful, warm, generous old soul. My heart goes out to his lovely family.

*From my FB post when I heard the news...
Wow! I am just floored at the news of Jake Gibbs' passing. What a smart wonderful and inspiring soul he was.
I went back to school at 28 years old (1997), with a 2 y/o daughter. It took 5+ years to get my A.A., then B.A. and I am UK class of 2003 in part because of Jake Gibbs.
I do not remember a lot about my LCC teachers, but Jake and his classes, I remember lots. He taught my Logic and US History classes 108 and 109. There...

It was a pleasure to have known you and the community projects you have promoted will live on.

Met Jake when my son Greg introduced him to Donald and I end of 70's. After that always in and out of our home.
David, Greg and Jake are together again.

Anita,
Jake and I have had about the same approach to dressing up', in other words not so much'. So, I don't know if you will recall, but when he had to go interview for his teaching position you called me to ask if I had a suit Jake could borrow. We were about the same size. I had been playing piano at the Hyatt and had to wear a suit to the gig so I had gone to Goodwill and purchased a sturdy, blue two-piece which I am sure had belonged to a gangster in a past life. No bullet holes...

I will never ever forget standing with Jake, Anita's father and Theresa Hildebrand when the surgeon came out after Delia's brain tumor surgery. (1993, I believe. Anita had gone home after a very long day at the hospital to nurse baby Delaney.) The surgeon asked us to hold hands in a circle for a prayer, which he led. Although I don't think any of us was particularly religious, Jake was the first to grab our hands and bow his head as we stood in that circle with tears of gratitude flowing...

I tried to write something cause I was inspired by his life. I hope it actually does any justice to the life of Jake.


There's this story of a man
He walked slow and humbly through the streets
Lived beyond being just a man
Loving this world and loving his blue jeans

His beard captured the wind
Crossing countries on a cycle
His family held his heart
And he taught them every book can be a bible

This man taught children how to be children
Taught...