James "Bud" Gibson

James "Bud" Gibson, 86, a lifelong resident of Buncombe County, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on Saturday, November 3rd surrounded by his loving family. He was the son of the late Whitt and Vivian Gibson of Swannanoa, NC. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister, Alice Hornowski. Bud is survived by his wife of 61 years, Julia Carlock Gibson, and two daughters, Anne Linhart and husband Dr. Stephen Linhart, Vicki Hughes and husband Tripp Hughes, both of Asheville. He was a devoted grandfather of six grandchildren, Joshua Linhart and wife Sarah Grace, Jared Linhart, Sarah Allie Linhart, Lettie Hughes, Mazie Hughes, Robert Hughes, and several nieces and nephews. He was strongly devoted to his family with whom he spent a great deal of his time. He never missed an event, ballgame, music concert, or graduation that his children and grandchildren participated in. Bud was very active in his church, Groce United Methodist, helping in many ways including serving in missions, and giving of his time and talents. He enjoyed woodworking and crafting many items for the church such as the communion table and outdoor nativity scene. Bud was very active in helping throughout his community. He was an active member in the Haw Creek Lions Club and volunteered often at the Veteran’s Quarters. He graduated from Swannanoa High School in 1950 where he played football, basketball, and baseball. Bud served in the United States Coast Guard Air-Sea Rescue during the Korean conflict for three years. He attended the University of Tennessee and Western Carolina University graduating with a bachelor’s degree in education and a Masters in Education Administration. Bud was principal at Lee Edwards, Claxton, and Asheville High Schools. Afterwards he went on to be the Vocational Education Consultant for Asheville City Schools, and then the Regional Coordinator for Vocational Education (CTE) for the western part of North Carolina. After retirement, he held the position of Vocational Education/Special Project Director for Henderson County Schools. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at Groce United Methodist Church. The family will be receiving friends following the service in the church fellowship hall. A private family burial will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Groce United Methodist Church, 954 Tunnel Rd. Asheville, NC 28805. Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road is assisting the family.