Joseph "Joe" James Gibson

Joseph “Joe” James Gibson passed away under a full moon on September 8, 2025, but his spirit lives in the people who loved him and in the kindnesses that he perpetuated. Born in Brawley, California on August 14, 1967, Joe moved with his family to Washington County, Oregon in his elementary years, later graduating from Portland State University. Joe moved to Bellingham, WA when he met his wife, and raised his family in Whatcom County.

Joe began his career in social work at The Bridgeview, a residential mental health facility in downtown Portland, OR. He later worked for The Sun House, and most recently, for Compass Health (formerly Whatcom Counseling) for 23 years. Joe was a proficient social worker who championed riding his yellow bike around town, to lower barriers and most efficiently connect with people experiencing homelessness. He knew the weak spots in the bureaucracy, knew who was eligible for what, the intricacies of housing in Bellingham, had phone numbers memorized, and grew to be a recognizable figure in Bellingham's social service community, both among the people he served and his network of cohorts across a broad spectrum of social service agencies. But Joe's true gift was his ability to remind people of their self-worth when they themselves had forgotten.

Joe's greatest pride and joy were his two children, Danny and James, and he cherished being their father and loved and delighted in the people they became. Joe loved biking, camping, archery, diverse musical genres, building things out of wood, ferry rides, dunking in cold bodies of water, cayenne pepper, trivia, sewing quilts and bags, stand-up comedy, wine-making, burritos, building snow caves, Seinfeld, Marine Park, and chocolate peanut butter ice cream.

Joe is survived by his wife Carrie, sons Daniel and James, his brother Michael Gibson (nieces Natasha and Tiffiny), brother Patrick Gibson (nieces Miya and Maya), sister Jocelyn DePriest (nephew Dylan), half-sisters Robyn and Melanie, father Robert Gibson, mother-in-law Peggy VanderYacht, and his two cats Sarah and Max. Joe was predeceased by his mother Marilyn (Garrie) Gibson and father-in-law Lyle VanderYacht.

An informal happy hour Gathering of Friends will take place on Saturday, October 18, 2025 from 4-6 PM at Squalicum Yacht Club (not Bellingham Yacht Club), 2633 S. Harbor Loop Drive, Bellingham. The social service community, and anyone who knew Joe is welcome to share memories. Beverages and light hors d'oeuvres will be provided.

Donations in Joe's honor can be made to ragfinery.com or homesnow.org.