Jed Glayde Gibson

November 27, 1933 — March 25, 2023

Jed Glayde Gibson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and coach passed away peacefully at his home on March 25, 2023 at the age of 89, surrounded by his loving children and grandchildren. Jed was born on November 27, 1933 to Ondus Horace and Remelda Nielsen Gibson in Tooele, Utah. He graduated from Tooele High School in 1952 and then attended the University of Utah where he played football on a scholarship as a running back. He graduated with a B.S. and Master’s degree in Health and Physical Education.

While at the U of U, Jed also participated in the Army R.O. T. C. program and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army Reserve. Following his tour of Active Duty, he continued to serve his country for 29 years and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Jed was an avid sports fan and enjoyed playing, teaching, and coaching a wide variety of team and individual sports. His first teaching and coaching position was at Brigham Young High School in Provo. His assignment was to coach football, track, wrestling, and was an assistant coach in basketball.

During his second year at B.Y. High Jed met and married the love of his life, Karen Keith. They were married on November 25, 1959 and were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Manti Temple. Jed and Karen had 5 children and shared 63+ wonderful years together. Karen passed away only 4 weeks before her Jed.

Jed and Karen left for New York City to attend Columbia University on a fellowship, where Jed earned his Doctorate of Education Degree in Health and Physical Education. After completing his schooling, they returned to Provo and he continued teaching and coaching at B.Y. High for 4 more years. In 1966, Jed accepted a teaching and coaching position at Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho.

The Gibson family lived in Rexburg for 20 years raising their children and forming many life-long friendships. Jed was very successful as the head track and cross-country coach. His cross-country teams won 2 National Junior College championships and placed high in regional and national track and cross-country meets. His men’s track team placed in the top 10 nationally every year from 1978-1986. He won 3 “Coach of the Year” titles and he was inducted into the NJCAA Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1988. He has coached 147 All-Americans and 28 individual national champions. Jed was also an assistant coach for the football team and served with two of his former teammates from the U of U.

After leaving Rexburg, the Gibsons spent 7 warm and fun-filled years in Arizona before relocating back to Provo in 1993. Jed and Karen were thrilled to be back among family and friends. Jed began teaching and coaching at Utah Valley University as an adjunct professor in the Health Science Department where he worked for 20 more years. He was instrumental in developing and advancing the track and cross-country program. During his years at UVU he had the opportunity to teach several of his grandchildren. Jed enjoyed coaching and teaching so much he continued working until he was 84-years-old, only retiring to care for his sweetheart. Jed cared for Karen with love, kindness, and devotion throughout her struggle with progressive dementia.

During Jed’s career he touched the lives of countless students and athletes from around the world. His quiet strength and work ethic showed in all he did. He was a supportive and loving husband and devoted father and grandfather.

Jed is preceded in death by his wife, Karen Keith Gibson, his parents, O.H. “Jack” and Remelda Nielsen Gibson, his grandson, William Jackson Magette, his brothers; Junior, Jack, Melvin, LaRay, Max, and Bill Gibson, and his sister, Ivis Allsop.

He is survived by his children, Brian Jairus Gibson (Julie), Brent Keith Gibson (Ann), Karrie Sibley (Kris), Kamille Magette (Marc), Katie Karen Brimley (Greg), 20 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren and counting. He is also survived by his sister, Dorothy Tuttle.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 7, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at the Nelson Family Mortuary Chapel (4780 N. University Ave, Provo, UT). There will be a viewing from 11:30-12:45, prior to the service. Interment will be at 2:45 p.m. at the Provo City Cemetery (610 S. State St. Provo, UT).