James J. Gibbons (Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, Teacher, Coach, Mentor) entered into eternal peace on Oct. 2, 2023 at home surrounded by family. He was 88 years old.
Born Nov. 7, 1934 in Buffalo, NY, son of the late Harry and Julia (Doyle) Gibbons.
He attended the University of Buffalo where he obtained his B.S. degree while also a valued member of the football team. James began his teaching career in the Buffalo Public School System at School #2 while coaching at Bishop Timon H.S. in Buffalo. James earned his Masters in Physical Education from Brockport University while teaching and coaching football at Dunkirk H.S. He also coached at the High School level at Lebanon H.S. in Lebanon PA, Fredonia H.S., Brocton H.S., and Silver Creek H.S. James also coached football at the college level as an assistant coach at Lebanon Valley College and Gannon University. James returned to Dunkirk where he taught and coached until he retired in 1995.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years Elizabeth (Langdon) Gibbons, six children and 16 grandchildren.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his eldest son, James H. Gibbons; brothers, Thomas Gibbons and Nelson “Skip” Gibbons; and sisters, Mary Sullivan and Anne Dunford.
Calling hours will be held Friday, Oct. 6, from 4-7 p.m. at the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, Oct. 7, at 10 a.m. in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care, 20 W. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, NY 14750 or a charity of one’s choice.
Visits: 11
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors