John “Jack” Gibbs
John David “Jack” Gibbs, 33, departed this life on June 28, 2025, following a sudden cardiac event while hiking with his father in Wisconsin.
Jack was born on December 17, 1991, to David Byron and Lynne (Vanderslice) Gibbs in Winfield, Illinois. Jack grew up in Wheaton, Illinois alongside his older brother and best friend, Thomas. He attended Longfellow Grade School, Franklin Middle School, and Wheaton North High School. Jack received his undergraduate degree, Bachelor of Arts Cum Laude, from Albion College in Albion, Michigan. He went on to enjoy a career with Northrup Grumman in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. He resided in Downers Grove, Illinois.
Jack had a zest for life. He was gregarious by nature, and he valued close and long-term relationships throughout his life. In middle school, Jack was introduced to wrestling. He continued to wrestle throughout high school. During the off season, Jack played football. As an adult, Jack developed a passion for the outdoors, and he soon turned his sights on camping and hiking whenever possible. He loved visiting the Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin and Jack aspired to conquer 1200 miles of the trail during his lifetime.
Jack was an avid reader, he inherited his maternal grandfather’s love of movies, he played golf, he bicycled, he bowled, he enjoyed long walks, he skied, he was a member of a board game group, and he had recently added pickleball to his list of activities.
Jack was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather and his paternal grandparents.
Jack is survived by his father, David B Gibbs (Julie), his mother, Lynne V. Chavez (Edward), his brother, Thomas M. Gibbs (Michelle), his niece, Alanna Gibbs, his maternal grandmother, Marion M. Vanderslice, and family and friends who adored him.
Services will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 130 N. West Street, Wheaton, Illinois on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 11:00 AM. In place of flowers, please consider a donation to the Ice Age Trail Alliance for the preservation of the trail that Jack loved so much. www.iceagetrail.org.