THE Official Web Page of
Tucson High School,
Class of 1965

(Y3K compliant since 1899)

Born on August 27, 1921 to Edgar and Mabel Gibson, he will be remembered as a loving family man with a tremendous zest for life, a steadfast friend, and positive role model to generations of Tucsonans. Raised on farms in KS and MO, he moved with his family to Tucson in 1936 at the age of 14. He attended Tucson High School, served in the CCC's for two years, and graduated from Barber College in L.A., CA in 1942. In 1939 he developed a strong desire to dedicate himself to a lifetime of physical fitness. Involved as a promoter/ competitor of Olympic style weightlifting, hand balancing exhibitions, arm wrestling contests and boxing, Johnny helped to pioneer a wave of interest in fitness that continues today. He was an inspiration and mentor to many, encouraging participation in healthy endeavors to improve one's well-being.

He was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star in WW2 where he served in the US Army as a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division (1942-1945). As a medic, he jumped into battle in Normandy (D-Day) and Holland. He survived 60 days as a POW and overcame 11 months of hospitalization from a severe shrapnel injury sustained during the Battle of the Bulge.

Johnny's barbering career began at the Santa Rita Hotel in the 1940s and it was then he met Pearle Klamm, his "heaven on earth". He owned the Johnny Gibson Barbershop on 6th Ave. downtown from 1949 until 2001, where he truly enjoyed going to work each day. Customers included several generations of families from all walks of life. Johnny's contributions to the "Irongame" played a key role in shaping the independent gyms of America.

He founded the Johnny Gibson Gym Equip. Co. (1952 - 2003), which sold and manufactured state of the art strength training equipment and supplied fitness facilities nationwide. His personable nature, honest dealings and strong work ethic left a lasting impression on people he met.

Some of his awards include: Mr. Arizona 1950, Mr. Tucson 1951, Pima County Sports Hall of Fame 1998, Arizona State Lifting Champ eight times, Distinguished Arizonan 1997 "Physical Fitness", Heart of Downtown Award 2003, and "Mayor of 6th Avenue". Johnny is survived by his wife of 63 years, Pearle Gibson; daughters, Sharon Gibson (Robin), Marsha Gibson (Walter); son, Steve (Lucia) Gibson; his grandchildren, Kimberly Schmieding (Michael), Kevin Grant, Shauna Smith, Chelsea (Allan) Mahnk, Andrea Decker (Drew), Kevin Gibson; great-grandchildren, Tyler, James and Katelyn. He was preceded in death by his son, James E. Gibson, and his brother, Clayton Gibson.

The family wishes to thank his many caregivers over the past year. Although we are sad to say goodbye, he leaves us in the comfort of an amazing journey with him.

We love you Johnny, Dad, Papa. A Memorial Celebration will be held at Armory Park Center downtown, 220 S. 5th Ave. on June 18, 2010 at 4:00 pm. In his memory the family suggests supporting the Tucson YMCA Send-A-Kid to Camp fund., or Armory Center Club #1.

The reunion will start Friday evening (just as we did last time) with a no-host bar and furnished appetizers early evening on November 5th. Please eat dinner either at the Viscount or elsewhere before attending the reception.

The buffet banquet will be Saturday evening along with entertainment. Sunday morning will be a no-host breakfast.

Dress for the weekend is, of course, RED.

All events will be at the Viscount on Broadway, just east of Swan. Here is their website for pictures.

You won't need your AARP discount this time, we have secured excellent pricing for hotel rooms. Deluxe rooms are $89 plus tax and the premier rooms are $114 plus tax. When making your reservations, tell them you are with
Tucson High.

In the meantime, I am putting together a "Memory Book" or a small booklet of what you have been doing. Deadline for that will be October first, as I need time to put it together. Please write something and send it to me. You have my email address

If you would like to add to or update our Then and Now pages on our website, please send it to me.

Items Available For Sale:

40th Reunion (DVD format), $30 postage paid
20th Reunion (DVD format), $15 postage paid
White ceramic mugs from the 40th reunion, $7 each, postage paid; $3 each delivered to your door in Tucson

If you are interested, please let me know and I will send you the information.