James Gibson

James Gibson, known affectionately as Jim, Jimmy, and Tootz, departed this life on February 7, 2026. James was a beacon of ambition, dedication, and humility, and his loving spirit touched the lives of all who knew him. He was a man who truly loved God first, followed by his cherished wife, Kathleen Gibson, and his family and friends. His remarkable life was marked by the strength of his conviction, the depth of his love, and his unwavering commitment to serving others.

Born to Alexander Sapp and Minnie Gibson, James grew up in a vibrant, loving family. Over the years, he lived in Swedsboro, Morristown, Glassboro, Williamstown, and Sewell NJ, leaving indelible marks of his kindness and hard work in each place. As an Honorable Marine E-4, he served his country in Vietnam from 1965 - 1968. His professional life was equally distinguished, recognized as a top -contractor and an exemplary truck driver. Yet the awards that mattered most to him were those of being a devoted husband, a nurturing father of 13, a grandfather of 45 and a great-grandfather of 23. He was a man always working on something outside, be it his garden, his motorcycle, or his motor home, passing on his wisdom and knowledge to others. He truly loved fishing. His resilience was a testament to his faith, as he never complained, embodying the verse, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).

James is survived by his wife Kathleen Gibson, his daughters Crystal Kirby, (Eugene Kirby) Husband, Erika Tate, (James Tate) Husband, Brenda Mattison, Sheryl Gibson, Serita Brown, (David Brown) Husband, Monique Little, Felicia Little, Sophia Washington, (Charles Washington) Husband, Nadine Coleman, (Julian Coleman) Husband, Nyaire Fisher; ( Phil love) Fiancé, his sons Ernest Buffaloe, Milton Gardener Jr.; (Nadirah Mitchell) Fiancé and his siblings Alexandra Rippey Sapp, Joseph Gibson, and Alvin Sapp, (Christina Sapp) Wife and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Minnie Lee Sapp and Alexander Sapp, his brothers Larry Lithicomb and John Henry White, his sisters Betty Gibson, Sarah Gibson, and Mary Gibson, and his son Thomas Buffaloe.

Friends and family are invited to attend a viewing on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 10:00 am EST at Macedonia Baptist Church, 351 High Street, Westville, New Jersey. A celebration of James' life will follow at 11:00 am EST at the same location.

We encourage those who knew and loved James to leave memories and upload photos of him to the memorial page. His life was a testament to love and service, and his memory will continue to inspire all who knew him.