James L. "Jim" Gibson

Dr. James L. Gibson, age 82, of Mankato, died peacefully on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024.

Memorial Service will be held Friday, Nov. 15, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Centenary United Methodist Church in Mankato. Visitation will be held Thursday, Nov. 14 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Northview-North Mankato Mortuary and Friday from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at church. 

Jim was born on Oct. 20, 1942 in Middleville, MI to Paul and Ethel (Prentice) Gibson. He graduated from Thornapple-Kellogg High School in Middleville, MI. He received his master’s degree and PhD from Michigan State University. On Jun. 15, 1968, Jim was united in marriage to Kenna Middleton. He taught agriculture, entrepreneurship, leadership, and sustainable energy at Michigan State University, University of Minnesota-Waseca, and Wisconsin Technical College. After retirement, he led the work at Farmamerica as the executive director. Jim was passionate about education, community involvement and helping the leaders of tomorrow succeed. He was involved in many organizations including: FFA, Rotary, Toastmasters, Kiwanis, Optimists, BEST of Waseca County, and GreenSeam. Jim was a founder of PAS-Postsecondary Agriculture Student Organization and was an active member at Centenary United Methodist Church. He was a connector of people, ideas, and resources.

Jim is survived by his wife, Kenna; daughters, Brenda (Anthony) Sonnek and Carrie (Gary) Moore; grandchildren, Hunter, Gabriel, and Oliver; brothers, Carl (Jamie) Gibson, Edward (Christina) Gibson, and Fred Gibson; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Keith. 

Memorials are preferred to Farmamerica, Centenary United Methodist Church, National FFA Foundation, or Farmhouse Fraternity.