Obituary of Harold J. Gibson, Jr.

Harold James Gibson, Jr., passed away peacefully on February 24, 2016. Mr. Gibson, born in Jacksonville, served as a U.S. Army Captain during WWII and became a trailblazer within our community. Mr. Gibson became the first African American to serve as Administrative Aide to Mayor Hans Tanzler. In 1972, he was conferred the title of Honorary 20th Councilman. He was elected to the City Council in District 8 and served from 1979 to 1983. In 1983, he became the first African American to run for the office of Mayor of the City of Jacksonville. He owned and operated Gibson Enterprises, Inc., which included the Northside landmark, “Skate City.” Mr. Gibson was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, June Brooks Gibson. He is survived by two daughters, Lynnette Swain and Gail Gibson; brother, Franz (Cora) Gibson; sister, Constance Doby; sisters-in-law, Mrs. Vivian Gibson and Ms. Vicki B. Clark; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 9:00 a.m., with the funeral following at 10:00 a.m., at Bethel Baptist Institutional Church, 215 Bethel Baptist Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida or the Clara White Mission. Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, (904) 264-1233, is serving the family.