John Thomas "Tom" Gibson, 78, of Rockton died on December 11, 2025. Born October 23, 1947 in Rockford; son of George and Virginia (Smith) Gibson. Tom graduated from Auburn High School, class of 1965. He was united in marriage to his first wife, Penny Meyer on August 24, 1968. He obtained his Bachelor's Degree from Illinois State University in 1969 and his Master's Degree in Education from Northern Illinois University. Additionally he obtained his Professional Education License (PEL/Type 75) Certification. Tom began his career at Harlem High School, where he was a history teacher; after working in education for a decade, he was employed at Murphy Motor Freight Lines in Sales, United Technologies (Taylor Freezer) in Purchasing and later retired from his Sales position at A&B Freight Line. Tom was the President of the Traffic Club. He married his second wife, Pauline "Polly" Johnson Bovi on May 5, 2000. Tom was a dedicated father and coach to his boys in their younger years. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, whom he adored. Above all else, he loved his family and was proud of their achievements. Tom was a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan. He loved spending time outdoors, feeding the deer on his property in Rockton and visiting the wild horses along the lower Salt River in Arizona. Tom spent winters in Mesa, AZ, where he enjoyed the outdoors and the beautiful weather. He was a skilled golfer, participating with his foursome each week. He was an avid skier and enjoyed skiing the powdery slopes of Lake Tahoe. Tom was a storyteller. His outgoing personality and a wonderful sense of humor brought stories to life. It was common to run across him on a bar stool at the Whiffletree in Roscoe, spinning a tale or chatting with his friends. He donated to the Helping Hands Food Pantry where his brother Jerry was the Director. Survived by his beloved wife, Polly; children, Tadd (Anna) Gibson, Troy (Kelly) Gibson; step-children, Heidi (Ryan Vanden Huevel) Bovi, Joseph (Amy) Bovi, Nick (Alissa) Bovi; grandchildren, Taylor (Nick Wallace) Gibson, Collin Gibson, Addison Gibson, Avery Gibson, Braden Jones, Cassidy Jones, Elliot Bovi, Jonah Bovi, Cece Bovi, Nico Bovi, and a baby on the way; brother, Jerry (Naomi) Gibson and a large circle of friends. Preceded in death by his parents, and first wife, Penny in 1993. Memorial Visitation on January 17, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 2:30 pm. Live stream of the service can be viewed here: https://my.gather.app/remember/john-thomas-tom-gibson Cremation Rites have been accorded. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his memory may be made to Helping Hands Food Pantry, 7620 Elm Ave. Machesney Park, IL 61115 or https://helpinghandspantry.com/donate/ , St. Jude Children's Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html ; or American Heart Association, https://www.heart.org/ ; all causes close to his heart. Share a memory or condolence at www.graceFH.com . Grace Funeral & Cremation Services assisted the family.