Trumbull County may have lost John C. “Jack” Gibson Sr., last week, but thousands of people will continue to see his legacy every day.

Originally with the WB Gibson Co., the co-founder of the Jack Gibson Construction Co. in 1982 left his mark on many prominent local buildings. They include the downtown Warren post office, Packard Music Hall, the Tribune Chronicle and Warren City Schools Lincoln K-8 building. The Jack Gibson Construction Co. also restored the Trumbull County Courthouse and Law Library for which it earned the National Award of Excellence by Associated General Contractors of America.

Gibson died Friday at Vista on the Ridge Skilled Nursing facility. He was 86.

While his architectural and construction work is prominent, he more quietly provided support and guidance as a civic leader and philanthropist. He was an original member of the philanthropic group Trumbull 100 and was actively involved with the Trumbull County American Red Cross and Warren Kiwanis Club.

In 1994, the Warren G. Harding High School and Youngstown College graduate was co-chairman of the Building Campaign to raise funds to renovate the Salvation Army’s Franklin Street building, where he was presented a life membership. He was also a member and /or sponsor of the Trumbull Art Guild, Warren Ballet, Trumbull New Theater, Warren Chamber Orchestra, Butler Art Institute, March of Dimes, United Way, Elks Club 295, Trumbull Country Club and The Warren G. Harding Tartans, Buckeye and Youngstown clubs.

He was once named Mahoning Valley Person of the Year.

Gibson was also a trustee and chairman of the State of Ohio Carpenters Pension Fund and trustee and vice president of the Mahoning Valley Economic Development Corporation. He also served as president of the Builders Association in 1971.

Gibson served his community, he served his profession and he served his country. He was a 1944 graduate of Columbia Military Academy and served in the U.S. Army in Korea from 1946 to 1948.

While Mr. Gibson’s passing certainly leaves a void for Trumbull County, few from this community have left such a lasting impression. For that, we can be grateful.