James D. Gibson, 28-year-old Mt. Vernon fireman, died at 5:10 pm Friday at Good Samaritan Hospital from injuries suffered in a Christmas Eve accident east of Mt. Vernon.

While the young man had been in a partial coma since his car plunged down a steep embankment Wednesday night, his death came as a shock to his many friends at city hall and throughout the Mt. Vernon area.

Jim, as he was known to his friends, had been a member of the local fire department for a year. In that short time he had won the respect and liking of fellow firefighters and all city employees. He resided at 409 north 12th street.

He suffered fatal internal injuries in the accident, which occurred at the dead-end of County Farm Road, at the Liberty Road. His death occurred after an emergency operation in an attempt to save his life.

FUNERAL MONDAY

Funeral services will be held Monday at 1:30 pm at Myers Chapel. The Rev. Eugene Holcomb and the Rev. Theron H. King will officiate and burial will follow in Hopewell Cemetery. The body will lie in state at Myers Chapel, where friends may call after 1:30 pm Sunday.

The local American Legion Post, of which he was a member, will be in charge of military rites. Fellow Mt. Vernon firemen will be pallbearers.

The entire Mt. Vernon fire department has made arrangements to attend the funeral. Rural firemen will man the city fire station during the funeral.

James Donald Gibson was born May 13, 1930 in Mt. Vernon, the son of Albert C. and Laura (Soper) Gibson.

He was married May 23, 1957, at West Frankfort, to Margaret Dorris, who survives.

Mr. Gibson was a veteran of World War II, serving with the U.S. Navy a Engineman Third Class on the USS Marquette.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church. He was also a member of the American Legion, Moose Lodge, Illinois Firemen's Association, the V.F.W. and the Egyptian Fire Fighters Association.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret; a little daughter, and Mrs. Albert C. Gibson of Mt. Vernon; and a sister, Sue Ellen McPherson of Waltonville.

Date: December 26, 1958
Submitted by: Ken Richardson