James Gibbons

James "Jim" Gibbons, 61, of Batavia, Il. passed peacefully on Monday, August 2, 2021, surrounded by his loving family in the comfort of his home. He was born on June 3, 1960 and grew up in South Holland, Il.

Jim graduated from Thornwood High School in 1978 and from Illinois Institute of Technology in 1983, with a degree in Chemical Engineering (As he would say, the most difficult degree and the one that would make the most money right out of school). While attending IIT, Jim met his devoted wife of 39 years, Theresa. They were married at St. Casimir's church in Chicago on August 21, 1982.

Jim was very outgoing and friendly, as he could strike up a conversation with anyone. He had a very quick-witted sense of humor and was always the source of laughter in the room. Jim's quest for the perfect pizza was ongoing, as his love for food was one of his life's joys. Jim was an avid White Sox fan, swimmer, skier, and golfer. A music lover who enjoyed singing with his deep baritone voice along with anyone who would join him. Jim also loved spending time with his family and grand-dogs Loki, Ajax, and Lily out on his deck. He planned so many memorable family trips, especially skiing in Colorado, as well as a road trip through the Southwest. Jim's career was in engineering, but was also an entrepreneur, starting several businesses as he enjoyed being his own boss. His strong, independent spirit inspired us all.

Jim was adopted as an infant by loving parents Jim and Maxine Gibbons, but later in life was miraculously able to connect with his biological father, Burry Norton. Being welcomed with loving arms by the entire Norton family was one of the happiest moments of his life.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Theresa Gibbons (Czajkowski); son, Phillip; daughter, Lauren (fiancé Andrew Kaput); step-mother Pat Norton (Woulfe); siblings Kathy Gibbons Gouwens (Keith Gouwens), Kelly (Jim) Cox, Kevin (Jennie) Norton, Kim (Tony) Bankston, Kris (Pete) Cipparrone; brother-in-law Rich (Kathy) Czajkowski; sister-in-laws Jean (Harold) Vazquez, Lucy (Ed) Jakubas, Irene Papaurelis, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, James Gibbons and Maxine Gibbons (Shafer), Burry Norton; father-in-law Frank Czajkowski; mother-in-law Maria Czajkowski (Piotrowski), and brother-in-law Rich Papaurelis.

A celebration of his life is planned to be held in September. Arrangements were entrusted to Moss Family Funeral Home  209 S. Batavia Ave, Batavia,IL (630) 879-7900 or www.mossfuneral.com