James M. “Hoot” Gibson
James Madison “Hoot” Gibson, 71, of Polson, MT, went to be with the Lord on Monday, July 20, 2009 at the Community Medical Center in Missoula, MT. Born on February 7, 1938 in Monahans, TX, he was the son of the late Elon and Lucille Lutes Gibson. He married Carolyn Ruth Northcutt on February 28, 1975.
Mr. Gibson was a successful high school football coach spanning thirty-five years in Texas. He coached at Nazareth, San Saba, Lubbock-Roosevelt, Dimmit, White Deer, and Stinnett. In 1999, he retired as Head Football Coach at West Texas High School where he led the Comanche’s to two semi-final appearances and was twice named a Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame Coach of the Year, both in 1989 and 1995.
An avid sports lover, he enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports. He loved football and fishing and especially enjoyed watching the West Texas A&M Buffalos and the Montana Grizzlies. Later as the owner of a cherry orchard on Montana’s Flathead Lake, he loved working and preparing for the cherry harvest and spending time with his family. James was also an active member of Lakeview Baptist Church in Polson, where he served as a Trustee.
Besides his parents, James is preceded in death by two grandsons, Christopher Todd Setliff and Sage Thomas Gibson; and his brother, Darrell Benson.
He is survived by his loving wife Carolyn; his daughter, Tana Setliff and husband Bruce of Fritch, TX; two sons, Tommy Gibson and wife Robbie of Glen Rose, TX, and James Gibson of Missoula, MT. James is also survived by two sisters, Frances Covington and husband J.D. of Bigfork, MT, and Patsy Roberts and husband Byron of Blue Eye, MO; one brother, Teddy Benson and wife Phyllis of Warden, WA; four grandchildren, Trent Setliff, Mikala Setliff, Austin Gibson, and Madison Gibson, and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2009 at Grogan Funeral Home, Polson from 10am – 3pm. Graveside services will be conducted on Friday, July 24, 2009, 10 am, at Lakeview Cemetery in Polson with Pastor Kevin Rettig of Lakeview Baptist Church officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations in the memory of James may be made to either the American Heart Association of the American Cancer Society. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. Grogan Funeral Home, Polson is assisting the family.
Carolyn, Frances and Covey:
Even though I have not seen, “Hoot” in many years, I feel a sense of loss because he was a good friend to me.
I will always the many games we attended together, his kind and gentle manner, but most of all I remember him as a friend.
Sincerely,
Gene Waits
Jimmy & Family,
We want you to know that each of you are in our thoughts and prayers. As you reflect and celebrate your Dad’s may the happy memories bring smiles to your faces, laughter of the fun and silly times and love in your heart.
Patty and Paul Dwight
Gibson families,
We just read about Hoot’s death. We will always remember his good sense of humor and of course his coaching!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. The miles and years have kept us apart, but our memories live forever and we know you have lots of wonderful memories and love to share. May God comfort you now and forever.
Your friends,
Terry & Jan Cox
Jeff, Jerod & Tara and families
Carolyn and Family
Sorry to hear of your loss. I worked in the cafeteria in Stinnet while Hoot was a coach and can remember lots of great memories. He always had a smile no mater what. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Your friends Darlis, Mikiel (P-nut), Billy And Brandi Cooper
To the Gibson Family
We have thought about you guys often and are deeply saddened by the news of “Hoot’s” passing. I always counted Hoot as a very dear friend and looked forward each year to see him at the State Track Meet. Deanne and I will keep your family in our prayers. I know the Lord’s Grace and Love will be with you. God just needed someone to laugh with about us silly people still here.
Jerry and Deanne Vance
Aunt Carolyn and Family,
We are all heart broken here. It’s so hard to find the right words to say at such a time. I think we are still in shock from the unexpected news. We loved Uncle James very much and loved all the times we spent together. We will miss him telling his many stories and the “guarantees” that went with them. He will always remain fondly in our memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love Kim, Steve, and Family
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. Hoot was a great educator/coach and an even greater man.
Love and prayers,
Larry & Brenda
Gibson Family,
Please know that my prayers and thoughts go out to you during this difficult time. May the Lord’s peace comfort each of you.
Coach Gibson was my football coach in Dimmitt, Tx in 1975-76. He provided so many wonderful memories that I will never forget. Coach Gibson always had a smile and made playing football fun. He had a genuine interest in those he coached and truly wanted us to be successful in the classroom as well as on the field.
I know I am just one of many people who are better for having known “Hoot”.
God Bless You,
David Malone
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I remember him in High School and in college when he would come to the football games in Canyon. He was a wonderful man.
Christy (Frost) Brown
Carolyn, Tommy, Robbie, Austin, and Madison,
We want to tell you how sad we are to hear of Hoot’s passing. We always enjoyed visiting with him and you, Carolyn, when you came to visit Tommy and Robbie. He was always smiling and had a good story to tell about his coaching days. He will be missed. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Wayne, Stephanie, Reagan and Shelby Rotan
Carolyn and family, my condolences to you all. I enjoyed working with James and Carolyn all those years at the Bank. I would always look forward to seeing show up in the summer after a long school season and would relish the new football stories of the past season. James was a special man and lucky to have such a supportive wife and family. Dennis DeVries
Our sincere sympathy goes out to all of you —we remember Hoot as being a compassionate person who cared about his players beyond just being a coach — May God bring you peace in the days to come.
Carolyn, Tanya, Bruce and kids;
We are all very sorry for your loss you are all in our thoughts in prayers back here in Stinnett.
Sincerly the Monden family
I am so sorry for your loss. Coach Gibson will for as long as I live, be in memory as he is and has been throught my life. In his short time in San Saba, he showed me sincere kindness and gave me so much support. I have talked about coach Gibson to many of my good friends some who are currently coaches to whom I tell them I have much to be thankful for in having been coached by Coach Gibson. I am not surprised to hear all the good things he did. I know you will miss him. I am sorry I never got to tell him in my adult life how much I thought of him. Gods peace to you his family. Manuel Soto, Jr. Hometown San Saba, Tx.
My sympathy for your loss. James was a classmate of mine in Post, Texas. Although I have not seen him in many many years, but have the fondest memories of him.
Just read the news… I am very sad. ( I hope you remember me I was one of the Frost Twins From White Deer) He was a Great Coach and an even Better man! I will pray that the Lord holds you all secure in his arms and gives you strength beyond understanding.
Love to all of you!
Charla
Our prayers are with you at this time.
May God keep you all in His arms.
Yours in Christ
Steve, Pat, Sean and Nick Searcy
Carolyn and Family: We were sorry to hear about “Hoots” passing and our prayers are with your family at this time. God bless
Haven’t seen James since high school. I remember him as one of the nice guys and from his career, he had continued as such with improvements. We are diminished by his loss. Jerry Don McCampbell
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Coach Gipson was an amazing person, and will be missed.
To: Aunt Carolyn and Family,
I never expected that Uncle James would leave us all so suddenly. Guess we all expected he would get his health back after the heart surgery and live forever. This has been such a heartbreaking shock for Mother and I. Even though we are not there during this time of need, please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers. I always looked forward to Uncle James & Aunt Carolyn coming to Andrews for their yearly Fall visit. It was always an exciting time for us to connect with family and visit for hours over Mom’s cooking. Our times together was always too short, but pleasantly memorable. I can hear him now calling me, “Vicki Karen”. I loved Uncle James so very much and will miss him dearly. Carolyn, our deepest sympathy and heart felt love goes out to you and all the family during this time. Mother sends her love & sympathy to all and wishes she could be there with and for all the family. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
God bless you and be with you
Love Always,
Vicki and Terry; Ramona; Christine, Jim Bob and Tate
Carolyn and family, we are so sorry to hear about Hoot. our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We enjoyed visiting with you at the WT games. He will be remembered as a kind and thoughtful man.
Sincerely,
Richard and Nedra
My condolence and prayers are you. He was an inspiration to me while in high school and missed him and his humor after he left White Deer. My thoughts are with you
Aunt Carolyn,
I don’t have the words to describe the sadness I feel over the lose of our favorite uncle. He was such a part of my life from fishing on the San Saba river to killing my first deer. The two a days spent being a ball boy for the Golden Armadillos and super dogs at the Dairy Mart.
It seems like yesterday we were at your moms house as you guys were getting married. The years spent at Dimmitt getting have Uncle James as a coach. All the great pheasant hunts we shared. I was never happier than when you guys came up to Weatherford to see me play when I was in college.
I am so glad Janna and I got to spend our 25 Anniversary at the lake with all of you. Evan though I drove by and didn’t recognize everyone the first time. I will always cherish those afternoons spent setting out front talking. I know he is working on a game plan right now to find a way to beat the Celina Bobcats. May the Lord hold and comfort you in these most difficult times. We love you all. You will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
Randy and Janna Roberts and Family
I was Hoot’s head coach in San Saba, Texas, and he became my lifelong friend. I remember every summer he would head to Montana to his cherry farm, come back in late summer ready to begin a new year of coaching. We had many wonderful times together and I have beautiful memories of our years of coaching together. I will miss him and I loved him.
Mom (Carolyn) and Family
Our thoughts and Prayers are with you and the Family. There will always be wonderful memories of Coach Gibson.
Love Traci Howell
I had hoped to come by and surprise you all just about a month ago (Frances and JD, I think you know my aunt and uncle Tom and Hazel Jay)…and am sadder and madder that it didn’t happen. I think you all know that I always thought Coach Gibson was pretty special. My thoughts and prayers are with ya’ll. I can hardly wait til I get to talk to him again and see that smile of his as he starts out, “Broooooooks” in that special way of his that always made me smile.
Carolyn;
Jackie and I considered it a privilege to be present at James’ Farewell, let alone to have a part in ministering to you and your family. We will miss you over the next 2-3 weeks, but will stay in contact.
May the Lord bless you and grant all of you His comfort.
Pastor Kevin <
Dear Auntie Caroline,
I am so saddened to hear about Uncle James. He was such a wonderful man and uncle. I will miss him deeply. So sorry I was not able to attend the services. My love and prayers are with you and the rest of the family as you get through this difficult time.
My love always
Cindy
Aunt Carolyn,
We were so sorry to here of the loss of such a great man and uncle. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Love, Terry, Barb and family
We have been keeping your family in our prayers and hope ya’ll are doing well! We will all miss “Coach” terribly and will always hold on to the many memories he gave us here in Stinnett!
Our family’s thoughts are with you. I wish I would have seen the news sooner and been able to attend the funeral. It was such a comfort when I moved up here, a stranger, to know that Coach and Carolyn were nearby.
We were so sorry to hear about Hoot. We know this is a very difficult time for all of you, but just know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. There’s not been a football season pass that we don’t reminisce and wish for that coaching staff back. It’s been real hard for Brandon getting into the coaching profession to stomach the way some coaches treat the kids. When he gets upset about something, he always makes the comment that they were never treated that way and the coaches had the kids respect. We attribute a lot of Brandon and Brittany’s coaching style to the way they were treated during Hoot’s reign at WT. We are extremely proud of the respect they show their athletes and parents. We appreciate the fact that they were able to learn from the best. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God bless you and comfort you knowing so many lives were touched by Hoot.
I am James’ sister. He and I had our good and bad times growing up but
it is the good times I will always remember. I know that James in Heaven with Our Lord and I know that I will see him again someday whem God calls me Home. Until then, I will continue to praise our Lord and hope that whoever reads this message will turn to God and ask to be forgiven for their sins if they do not know him as Lord and Master.
Patsy Roberts
Coach Gibson was my high school basketball coach in the 60′s at San Saba. We really enjoyed learning from him. My Dad was the Head Football Coach when Coach Gibson came to San Saba. We lost him in 2005. May God Bless his family and be with them during this difficult time.
Beth Priest Tucker
Just learned of the death of Coach Gibson thru a Texas Coaches forum on the internet. James coached me and my sisters at San Saba High School in the late 60s. My Dad was our HS principal at that time. James left a lasting impression on many of us. I retired after 32 yrs of coaching and he was part of those wonderful yrs.
chan priest
Coach Gibson was one of my teachers in San Saba. He Was well loved by all his students. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing.
I last talked to Hoot after the 1995 Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame Coach of the Year while I was in the Panhandle visiting family. I am glad to be able to say I knew and respected this man while he coached in San Saba and throughout life as a coach, teacher, and most of all as a caring friend of every student he came in contact with. Hoot left an impression on every life he came into contact with in a positive way. He never asked more than a person was capable of, but wanted that commitment 110% not for himself as much as instilling in each individual that characteristic that would carry that individual through life to their best. I never met Coach’s family bet be assured he was a man of whom you can always be proud of as he helped all those he coached and and came into contact with. God bless you all and be with you during the days to come.
Mrs. Gibson and family, I graduated in 1969 form San Saba . Coach Gibson was a great coach and friend. He always had a smile , well not always….my best friend and I took his new mustang for a spin, leaving him shouting for us to come back…luckily he laughed when we returned and made us run till we almost threw-up…ha However that was better than his board, guess we were always kinda his pets !! I had lost contact and am so sorry that it’s under such circumstances that I have re-connected. My deepest and warmest sympathy to you and your family…may God Bless
Coach Gibson was quite a “character” and our head basketball coach in the late 60′s at San Saba High School. He had a lot of personal stories to share with us on trips to games. Hoot had a positive impact on a lot of peoples lives over the years and his longevity in the coaching profession and winning records are a reflection of that. He was one of a kind and will be truly missed!
I want to send my condolences for the loss of your loved one. Coach Gibson was one of my first football as well as basketball coaches in San Saba. He was aslo my neighbor. I never saw him after he left San Saba, but he made a lasting impression on me and how one should live there life.
Respectfully, Jimmy Walker Class of 1973
Coach Gibson was my Freshman football coach at San Saba in 1970. He always expected the best. We were small and had only won one game. One of my memories of him was a conversation he had with us the last week of practice. He said we were the nicest kids he had ever coached. “You say yes sir and no sir but I wish you would get mean sometime.” When we’re young we do not realize how people, especially coaches, can influence our life. I have many fond memories of Coach Gibson and am sad to here he passed away.
Buck Martin
San Saba, Texas
I am sorry to hear about Coach Gibson. He was my teacher in San Saba High School.
condolences to the family of Coach Gibson,
from one of the many students whose life he touched while he was at San Saba High School.
Coach Gibson was my basketball coach at San Saba High School, and he always remained positive despite the fact that he was coaching a bunch of teenage girls! I have many fond memories of “Hoot,” and I remember some of the perplexing situations that arose during my junior and senior years. BUT, history was made, when we won a district championship in 1968! Blessings to all of his family.—may wonderful memories sustain you at this very sad time.
Another San Saba student who was blessed to have Coach Gibson as a teacher and coach. He always had the most mischievous grin as he would coach us Freshman girls in Cross Country and Track. It was 1971 and the first year we had girls Track in San Saba. We ran on a dirt track out beside Coach Baskin’s house. We all seemed to have the worst case of shin splints! Thanks Coach for all the wonderful memories and for your influence on our lives!
To the Gibson Family;
As a young Jr. High kid in San Saba I know of no one who made more of an impression on me than Coach Gibson. I have thought about him many times in my adult life. It is so sad that as someones passing you realize the impact that one soul made on your life. What a great blessing Coach Gibson was to so many in San Saba. He touched lives. I thank God for the life and times of Coach Gibson. He was a true gift to us all.
Wade Hibler
My condolence to you and your family. I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Lesa Lemons Preece
Bend, Texas
Hoot was a very good friend of mine when he was in San Saba. He was a good coach and a fun guy. I am very sorry for your loss.
Sorry to hear about Coach Gipson. He was a good man. He coached me in 8th grade football at San Saba. He taught me to never say “I can’t especially to him.