John Gibbons Obituary

RIP, JG

Six years...wow!

Bob D (Seattle)

Bob D: you wrote your message on the second anniversary of my sister's sudden death. She and John were friends and he was a great Dean to her at DVU. I like to picture them hanging out together , , , xoxo - Teresa

Hey JG,

You still make me smile when I think about you...

RIP

I think of John every day: my mentor, my friend, my inspiration. I hope he is hanging out with my sister Hannah these days, having a good ole time. xoxo

Four years may have passed, but the great memories remain. BD

I just found and watched the video of John, I and others buying liquor for the Decatur event at a very large local liquor store I believe was in `13. Also in in it was us taking the leftover alcohol back to his room on luggage carts in the middle of the night. John brought life with him wherever he was at. He was unique, special and had the ability to combine something serious with having fun while doing it. Every time I think of him I smile...how many people do you know can make you do that ? :)

John: As Vicky says, we are remembering you during this Symposium time of year . . . Your wonderful work goes on! xoxo Miss you every day. - Teresa

John, I am remembering you today, as we work on our faculty symposium. Your influence will continue on and on, as will the impact of your example.

I think of John very often. He guided DeVry out of its darkest days with humor and wisdom.

I was just thinking about our time at the faculty symposium in Decatur when we had to go to the liquor store to buy about $1000 of alcohol for the big event. Funny stuff that day, but it was always fun times with you. RIP John

John was an incredible human being and I'm at a loss to describe how much he will be missed by those who knew him. We had many great times together at DVU and I will cherish those memories. RIP my friend!

Bob

I will never forget John's influence, his caring, his energy, his mentorship. He was an amazing leader and an even better person. Many lives were changed for the better as a result of having known John - my life included.

For this is how God loved the world: He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life. John 3:16

John was, to use one of his trademark words, FABULOUS! He could change the entire mood of a room just by entering it. His energy was contagious, and his love for people, life, and meaningful relationships, infectious. I knew John for just 10 years, but I felt as though I had known him all of my life. Oh, the places we went, the nights we spent, the memories we made. He will forever remain one of my closest friends. I love him and will miss him always.

John and I didn't run in the same circles but I remember he was an honor student and had many achievements. May he rest in peace.

John left an amazing legacy, changing lives for the better-students, faculty, colleagues and friends over many, many years. He was the creative inspiration in the room-from breaking into acapella song in front of several hundred people (and doing it well!), to bringing faculty together around the publishing of complex scholarly works-he inspired and brought out the best. I will always remember his daring, his tee-shirts and his smile. He will be greatly missed.

Hadn't heard anything of John for ... well, 50 years. But I remember him as a superior student and a man of integrity. I feel the less for not having had that contact. For whom the bell tolls.

The thoughts and prayers of the Mount Carmel High School community are with your family during these difficult days. May the saints of Carmel welcome John into God's eternal embrace and may Our Lady of Mount Carmel wrap you in the mantle of her love and care.

John was the heart of the DeVry Chicago faculty and then the heart of the entire national faculty as he worked every day to inspire us, support us, lead us. Innumerable numbers of students teachers, and administrators will forever be positively impacted and inspired by his boundless energy, his incredible creativity, and his sheer genius with people. He is sorely missed and always will be. (I will stop texting you soon John, and leave you in peace . . . ) Forever grateful to have been your mentee, teammate, acting protogee, friend, and DeVry family member. xoxoxoxo

John was a good friend and mentor to members of the forensics team at Mt. Carmel High School, Chicago, when I was a student there. He was a fine writer and speaker, too, and will be greatly missed by all whom he touched. My condolences to his family and his many friends.

Wishing you peace, John. Though I only knew you briefly, you were a positive and supportive leader. My condolences and prayers to your family.

John was a great friend and I will miss a) dinners at Wilde (and Dunlays), b) weekends in NY with theater, dinner and drinks each night, c) annual Drama Awards Luncheon d) touring in Germany and Spain and the academic leadership he provided as DAA.