We were all saddened recently by the sudden loss of one of the senior members of the System Safety Society, James "Jim" M. Gibbons, Certified Safety Professional. Jim passed away Monday, Oct. 1, 2007, after suffering a brain aneurysm. He is survived by his wife, Laurie, and three sons: Michael (17), Patrick (15) and Shaun (12) of Philadelphia. Jim was lovingly referred to in his home as "Mr. Fix-It" for his uncanny ability to fix anything around the house. As he leaves us, he will help to "fix" many people's lives by being an active organ donor.

Jim was employed in the product integrity department of the Boeing Rotorcraft Company in Philadelphia as an associate technical fellow, system safety. He established a Military Aircraft Certification Office for the company and made numerous contributions to major programs such as the H-47 Chinook and V-22 Osprey aircraft. His expertise was used across Boeing divisions in both military and commercial programs, and he was an educator and mentor to many Boeing employees and safety practitioners.

Jim Gibbons had been a dynamic and active member of the System Safety Society since 1997, had served as the Operational Vice President of Education and, most recently, as the Operational Vice President of Professional Development Materials. Most fittingly, Jim was the Society's Engineer of the Year for 2007. His active participation each year at the International System Safety Conference will always be remembered and appreciated by his peers and colleagues as he presented numerous technical papers, served as session chair and provided a stable voice of reason in the Executive Council sessions. Jim will be remembered within the Society for his technical knowledge, true professionalism, quick wit and infectious smile. We will truly miss him!

A college fund has been established through Commerce Bank for Jim's sons. Checks can be made payable to the James M. Gibbons Memorial Account and mailed to:
James M. Gibbons Memorial Account
c/o Commerce Bank
1799 Swede Rd.
Bluebell, PA 19422

Another option offered by the family is that donations be made to:
Gift of Life Donor Program
401 North Third St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123
www.donors1.org