Coach Jim "Hoot" Gibson

Memorial for

Coach Jim “Hoot” Gibson

2-17-1935 to 1-21-2005

loudonfootball.com wishes to express our deepest sympathy to the entire family of James H. Gibson; matriarch Margaret, son Mark and daughter-n-law Susan, and daughter Debbie G. Ladd and son-n-law Chip Ladd, plus several grandchildren.

In the fall of 1973, Coach Jim “Hoot” Gibson arrived at Loudon High School, hired as a teacher and as an assistant football coach. Mr. Napier, the LHS principal, died in an automobile accident in late September. At this juncture, Coach Gibson became the principal of Loudon High School.

The addition of Coach Gibson as Defensive

Coordinator changed the Redskins into a “point of attack” team. And attack they did…as opposing offensives were swarmed with hard hitting Red Clad Warriors; a signature of all Coach Gibson’s teams!!! The combination of Coach Ratledge’s offensive genius coupled with Coach Gibson’s defensive prowess proved to be a lethal combination as the Redskins soared to unprecedented heights for the 1974 and 1975 campaigns. The Results were staggering… 23 victories against only one loss plus back-to-back State Championships!!!

The fall of 1976 found Coach Gibson as the Head Coach of the Scott Co. Highlanders. Coach Gibson continually served in the educational systems and athletic programs all over East Tennessee for 38 years; with stops in such places as Kingston, Rockwood, Scott Co., Wartburg, Coalfield, and of course Loudon High School.

A great husband, father, and grand father; Coach Gibson was liked by everyone he came in contact with. One of, if not the best defensive coach in the State, Coach Gibson’s presence will be greatly missed on the side lines. Although he had a tough demeanor and was a stern disciplinarian, Coach Gibson turned right around and patted you on the rear, smiled and said “Don’t worry Son, you’ll get it right next time” just to let you know that he cared for you as an athlete and as a person.

At half time of the Sweetwater game on September 24, 2004, a ceremony was held officially naming the football complex as “Chig Ratledge Stadium, Dukes Field Home of the Loudon Redskins”. Responding well to new medication, Coach Gibson was able to attend the event. Many hugs, hand shakes, tears, and stories followed as Coach Gibson was greeted by a multitude of former students, players, and coaches.

In the last year of his life, many Redskin players made the trek to Morgan Co. to visit with Coach Gibson in his home. As a mentor as well as a coach, Coach Gibson imparted wisdom about football… and about life. His own life exemplified his deep spiritual strength and how he handled his illness and came to grips with his earthly legacy.

With such close ties to Kingston and Loudon, and since the ‘Jackets and ‘Skins have played each other every year since 1957, the Gibson family will sponsor the annual “Coach Jim “Hoot” Gibson Memorial Hall of Fame Bowl”. A traveling trophy will be presented to the winner of the Kingston vs. Loudon contest each year. Also, the “James H. Gibson Hall of Fame Scholarship” has been established at Carson-Newman College, Coach Gibson’s alma mater.