- State: Florida
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.
