Public memorial service for J.D. Gibbs set for Jan. 25 (Update)

Joe and JD Gibbs

UPDATE A crowd of around 1,200 on Friday at Davidson College "came to celebrate the life" of Joe Gibbs Racing President & co-Chair J.D. Gibbs, who died Jan. 11 at age 49 from "complications following a long battle with a degenerative neurological disease."

Tears and laughter "punctuated the service, which lasted close to 90 minutes." Sniffles "interrupted Joe Gibbs’ prayer as he spoke of his son," and JGR President Dave Alpern "shared how his faith had been shaped by his long-time close friend" NBCSPORTS.com

The NASCAR family "paid its respects" to a "devoted father and team owner who touched many facets of the stock-car racing community." ESPN.com See a video tribute to Gibbs from NASCAR.com.

01/16/19 A public memorial service for J.D. Gibbs will be held at 11:30 a.m. ET Friday Jan. 25 at Davidson College’s John M. Belk Arena in Davidson, North Carolina. Doors open at 10:30 a.m.

Gibbs, the eldest son of car owner Joe Gibbs, died Jan. 11 after a battle with a degenerative neurological disease. J.D. Gibbs was 49.

On a website honoring Gibbs’ legacy, it states that in lieu of flowers, the Gibbs family requests donations to the J.D. Gibbs Legacy Fund. The fund has been established to honor Gibbs and his passion for the Young Life Ministry, which he served as a member of the National Board.

The J.D. Gibbs Legacy Fund has two specific objectives that reflect J.D.’s passion for outreach:

1. To ensure “every kid" in the greater Charlotte region can be reached with the gospel, the Fund will provide the support necessary to reach adolescents from all socioeconomic backgrounds, those with special needs, and teen moms.
2. Young Life’s Windy Gap Camp in the mountains of N.C. has been a favorite of J.D.’s and his family for many years. Windy Gap is located just 15 miles north of Asheville, N.C. and the Fund will be used to support the construction of a new dining hall as well as additional facility improvements.