GIBBONS, JOHN (Jack) FARRELL, November 21, 1928 – July 20, 2006

John (Jack) Farrell Gibbons, 77, of Meridian, Idaho, p assed away on July 20, 2006 from a long illness. Jack was born November 21, 1928 in Malad, Idaho to Ethel and Evan Gibbons. Jack learned an early lesson in hard work as he helped support his family in the beef and hay fields of Malad as a child.

Jack joined the Navy as a young man of 17 in 1945. He served two years on the LSMR-410 gunner ship, where he lost most of his hearing. He was awarded the WWII Victory Medal for his service during the war.

Jack worked as an internal auditor for the U.S.Navy for 27 years and was in charge of auditing bases all over the Pacific and Southeast Asia. He was proud of his service to his country, both in the war and during his total of 38 years as a civil servant. He retired from the civil service in 1984.

After retirement, Jack and Cathy enjoyed many wonderful years of travel, touring the U.S. in their motor home and going to Europe. They also completed two separate international missions for the LDS Church; one in Truk, Micronesia, and one in the Philippines. They spent many winters in Apache Junction, Arizona but Jack especially enjoyed his summers in their cabin in Island park, Idaho where he loved to fish with his kids and grandkids. His cabin was always on his mind and he longed to go there whenever he was away from it.

Jack was a wonderful husband and rather who cared deeply for his children. He will be greatly missed. Jack is survived by his wife of 57 years, Catherine Geanette Cooper; and their four children, John, Steven, Kevin and Teresa. His son Preston, from a previous marriage, also survives him. Jack leaves 20 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, July 24, 2006 at the LDS Church on Black Cat Rd. in Meridian. A military burial will be held at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, located at 10100 N. Horseshoe Bend Rd. after the services at 3:00 p.m. Services are under the direction of the Relvea Funeral Chapel.