J.D. Gibbs remembered fondly by friends, family at memorial service

DAVIDSON, N.C. — The NASCAR family paid its respects to J.D. Gibbs on Friday, mourning a devoted father and team owner who touched many facets of the stock-car racing community.

J.D. Gibbs died Jan. 11 after a long-fought battle with a degenerative neurological condition. He followed his father, Coach Joe Gibbs, into a life immersed in sport, from football to extreme sports and ultimately to auto racing.

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His father led a tearful opening prayer, recalling his oldest son as “a boy who loved life.” The service was a celebration of his life, with remembrances read by his sons, a touching tribute from his brother, Coy, and a heartfelt greeting by J.D.’s wife, Melissa.

The event was held at Davidson College’s Belk Arena, where the Gibbs family attended basketball youth camps and held season tickets. Melissa Gibbs said they raised their children in Davidson, making the college town a sentimental choice for Friday’s memorial.

Gibbs’ wide-reaching impact could be measured by attendance from all corners of the racing industry. Current and former Joe Gibbs Racing drivers joined NASCAR officials, track owners, and executives and crewmembers from rival teams and manufacturers — competitors on the track united in their respect for J.D. Gibbs.

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The team last week established the J.D. Gibbs Legacy Fund to honor his memory and to benefit the Young Life Ministry, a non-profit organization that Gibbs supported for more than two decades on a local and national level.

This story will be updated.

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