Dr. James Gibson

Dr. James E. Gibson passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 22, 2025 at the age of 84, "to join other dead people wherever they go". Born on August 22, 1941, in Des Moines, Iowa, Jim was the firstborn of five children to Don and Lorene Gibson of West Des Moines.

Jim is survived by his beautiful and loving wife of 63 years, Karen, and his children Debi Wolf (Bill), Brad Gibson (Jackie), and Mark Gibson (Hillary). He is also survived by his grandchildren John Wolf and Cara Wolf Presley (Blake), Tyler Gibson (Emily), Grant Gibson and Jackson Gibson, and also great- grandson William Wolf. He was a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather and his children were his greatest pride and most wonderful achievement.

Jim received his Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology from the University of Iowa in 1969. He began his illustrious career at Michigan State University, where he rose to the position of Professor.

In 1975, he received the prestigious Alexander von Humboldt Senior U.S. Scientist Award to study in Germany in the laboratory of Professor Dr. K.J. Netter. The following year, Jim was recruited to the Chemical Industry Institute of Toxicology (CIIT) as Vice President and Director of Research. In this role, he established the scientific staff and research program of this non-profit research institute in Research Triangle Park, NC, developing an extensive, competitive, and highly respected postdoctoral and predoctoral training program in all areas of toxicology. Under his leadership, CIIT scientists were at the forefront of ensuring that the risk assessment process was based upon sound science rather than personal opinion.

In 1989, Jim transitioned into executive management positions at The Dow Chemical Company, DowElanco, and Dow AgroSciences, where he served as Global Vice President for Health, Safety, Environmental Sciences, and the Regulatory Function. Following his retirement from Dow AgroSciences in 2002, he was recruited to the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University as a Research Professor.

At ECU, Jim successfully established a comprehensive toxicology program in a department that had primarily focused on pharmacology training. He introduced new courses in biostatistics, experimental design and toxicology, and established a shared mammalian cell culture facility. His research focused on developing and evaluating innovative in vitro methods for safety and exposure assessment of biotechnology products, nanotechnology, dietary supplements, and marine toxins.

Throughout his career, Jim held numerous university affiliations, professional affiliations, honors, and advisory posts with professional, government, and industry organizations. His career spanned over 40 years, leaving a lasting impact on the toxicological sciences.

Jim was extremely active in community and professional activities, serving as President of the Society of Toxicology and Secretary General of the International Society of Toxicology.

Jim was an avid enthusiast of water sports, enjoying water skiing, sailing, and sport fishing in the waters of North Carolina. He also developed a passion for Porsche sports cars, thanks to his sons, and was an active member of the Porsche Club of America.

No memorial service is planned at this time.

In lieu of flowers please feel free to make a contribution to your favorite charity.