Dr James Gibson

DR Jim Gibson, who has died at the age of 101, was a Newcastle GP and an active and highly respected member of his community.

A man with a love of life, family, friends and his community, Dr Gibson will be remembered for his charm, kindness and great sense of duty. Always busy and with a curious mind, he gave generously of his time and efforts, and encouraged others by his example.

James Charles Gibson was born in Newcastle on January 6, 1919. He was the son of a farmer from Moneyslane. Because there was no grammar school in the area at the time, the family moved to Bangor in 1930 and he attended Bangor Grammar School for seven years.

After completing his education in Bangor, he attended the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, where he qualified as a doctor. After short spells in Londonderry and Holywood, he returned to Newcastle before the creation of the National Health Service in 1948.

As a family general practitioner, he diligently looked after the welfare of his patients. At the same time he and his wife, Muriel, became the proud parents of three children, John, Brian and Avril, whom they adored.

For recreation he enjoyed the outdoors, particularly fishing and sailing. He was a founder member of Newcastle Yacht Club in the early 1960s and for many years provided the club with leadership and guidance. In later years he also joined Strangford Sailing Club where he kept his cruising yacht and made more friends.

Dr Gibson’s retirement in 1984 at the age of 65 was the occasion of an outburst of thanks from a grateful community. Following his retirement he remained highly active and continued to fish and sail, as well as indulging in his passion for clock repairing.

For the final few years of his life Dr Gibson resided at Slieve Dhu Residential and Nursing Home where he celebrated his 100th birthday in the company of family and friends. His family have expressed their gratitude to the management and staff of Slieve Dhu for their care and attention during his time there.

Newcastle Methodist Church was filled to capacity for the funeral service on Friday, which was conducted by the Rev Mervyn Ewing. Dr Gibson’s elder son, John, delivered the eulogy. Interment followed at Drumee Cemetery.

Dr Gibson was predeceased by his wife in 1995, and by a brother and a sister, who both died when they were children. He is survived by his three children, John, Brian and Avril, daughters-in-law Patricia and Barbara, grandchildren Joanne, Cathy, Claire, David, James, Patrick and Katie, ten great grandchildren and the wider family circle. The sympathy of the community is extended to them.