Byron Jean (BJ) Gibbs

Byron Jean (BJ) Gibbs, 77, of Ponca, NE passed away on Wednesday, December 29, 2010, after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his family.Memorial services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 1, 2010 at Salem Lutheran Church in Ponca, NE with Rev. Dr. Neal Anthony officiating.BJ was born in Sioux City, IA on September 29, 1933, the son of F. Byron and Geneva (Tague) Gibbs. He grew up in the Ponca area and graduated from Ponca High School in 1950. He attended Midland Lutheran College on a football scholarship and moved to Albuquerque, NM to further his education. There he raised his family of four children. He then married Irena (Reenie) Gudaitis in 1974 and was married for 36 blissful years. He retired at the early age of 55 as Vice President of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of New Mexico. He moved back to Ponca in 1989 where he followed his passions of hunting, fishing and boating. He was dearly loved by his family and friends and will always be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor.Survivors include his wife, Irena Gibbs of Ponca; children, Lisa (Fred) Mowrer, Dori (Rick) Bogle, Chip Gibbs, Brad (Kristi) Gibbs; 9 grandchildren; and 1 great-grandchild all of Albuquerque, New Mexico.BJ was preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers, Wendell, Harold and Orin and 2 sisters, Wanda and Bonnie.In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be directed to the Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation for the Cure Siouxland Aff. Arrangements are under the direction of Mohr Funeral Home in Ponca. Online condolences may be sent at www.mohrfuneralhome.com.