Brigadier General USAF (Ret), John Holden “Jack” Gibson, 95, died from heart complications at his home in Dallas, Texas on January 19, 2005.

“Jack” was born in Olney, Illinois January 13, 1910, the son of Roy F. and Idascott (White) Gibson.  He attended the West Point of the Air at Kelly Randolph Field and was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in the Army Air Corps in 1933. After leaving the service due to draw downs in the 1930's, he enjoyed numerous flying jobs including joining recently started American Airlines in Chicago, Illinois. As World War II began, he was brought back into the service and served in numerous positions of command in the 8th Air Force, while also flying 35 combat missions in both B17's and B24's. He was awarded the Silver Star (1 OLC), Distinguished Flying Cross (2 OLC), Air Medal (4 OLC), the British Distinguished Flying Cross, the French Croix de Guerre (Palm), and numerous other medals, citations and commendations, and finished the war with the rank of Colonel. After briefly returning to American Airlines after the war, he was recalled to the Air Force and served in Korea. Following the Korean Conflict, he again returned to American Airlines and also continued to serve in various positions of command with the Air Force Reserve and later the Tennessee National Guard, where he served as the commander. He retired in 1962 from the Air Force with the rank of Brigadier General. While serving with American Airlines after the Korean Conflict, he held numerous positions including Chief Pilot (Nashville/Cleveland bases), Asst. Director of Flight Operations (HQ), and Vice President of Flight Training. He was responsible for vision, implementation and initial operations of the Flight Academy located in the DFW area. After retirement from American Airlines, he remained active in the aviation industry and the community by being involved in numerous aviation related businesses, and serving on the boards of directors of various companies. He was a graduate of the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program and was a former President of the Grey Eagles, a member of the Daedalions, and very active in numerous Air Force associations related to former units.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Gibson, who met her husband of 45 years while working as an American flight attendant; daughter, Sherry Sorenson; son, John Holden Gibson, II;  four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A memorial celebration of his life held at Saint Barnabas Presbyterian Church, Richardson with Burial at DFW National Cemetery.

Published in Dallas Morning News TX - January 23, 2005