John "Jack" Arthur Gibson

Gibson, John Arthur, "Jack" to everyone who knew him, age 77, of New Brighton, MN passed away on May 30, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Survived by his children, Jennifer (Joe) Fitzgerald and Matthew (Shari) Gibson and grandchildren, Anna and Jack Fitzgerald, Tyler and Madilyn Gibson. Also survived by his sister, Jane; lifelong friend, Sally; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Preceded in death by parents, Richard and Ethel Gibson, and brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Jan Gibson. 

Jack was born in Aberdeen, South Dakota but grew up in Mound, Minnesota. He graduated from Mound High School in 1965 and went onto the University of Minnesota. Jack was the first in his family to graduate from college. His pride at being a graduate of the U of M continued throughout his lifetime. Most days Jack would be seen sporting the maroon and gold on a Gopher sweatshirt or t-shirt. 

Jack married Sally Cox after college. They had two children, Jennifer and Matthew and many miniature schnauzers. Although their marriage didn’t last, their life long friendship endured.

Jack and Sally raised Jennifer and Matthew in New Brighton. Jack was a frequent volunteer at Pike Lake Elementary and spearheaded the yearly carnival. When his kids were in high school, Jack moved onto volunteering at their sporting events. He was a regular volunteer at the concession stands, and he was instrumental in upgrading the dirt circle Irondale had to a legitimate high school track. 

Jack’s career spanned many decades. His first professional job was as a purchaser at Mammoth Corporation. He also held roles in IT and plant operations at Mammoth; however, it was his job at Viking Materials that made him most proud. He started at Viking in 1987 as a plant manager. He was extremely proud when he was promoted to Vice President of Operations in 1997. Jack retired from Viking after 30 years of work in 2017. The friendships he made at Viking stayed with him even after retirement, and he always looked forward to catching up with his co workers whom he considered friends.

Outside of work, Jack had many interests. At the top of the list were cars. Just prior to his passing, he recalled the make and model of over 100 cars he owned throughout his lifetime. His passions also included spending time in Cross Lake, owning and operating Gibson Classic Car Company with his brother, golfing, waterskiing, and snow skiing.  

Upon retirement, Jack’s plan was to travel the world; however, he was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer in January 2018. His plans for travel were put on hold; but his passion for life continued. Jack joined the NET cancer support group. He looked forward to his monthly meetings and the friends he made.  For nearly eight years, he received monthly treatments at Fairview Maple Grove and quarterly appointments at the Mayo Clinic. He was extremely grateful for the wonderful doctors and staff who treated him and provided a quality of life he didn’t think was possible.

Family was everything to Jack. He lost his father at just eight years old, a hardship that revealed the quiet strength and kindness he carried throughout his life.  His warmth and selflessness were among the many ways he brought joy to those around him, and he credited his mother for teaching him these values.

Nothing lit up Jack’s life more than his grandkids. Those who knew him knew Jack to always have a smile on his face, and that smile was at its biggest when he was with or talking about his grandkids. 

Jack is deeply loved, and his presence is missed every day. 

Memorials are preferred to Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) or Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation. 

A visitation for Jack will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at O'Halloran & Murphy Funeral Home (8700 Valley Creek Road, Woodbury, MN 55125) from 5-8pm. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025 at O'Halloran & Murphy Funeral Home (8700 Valley Creek Road, Woodbury, MN 55125) at 11am with a visitation one hour prior.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John "Jack" Arthur Gibson, please visit our floral store.