Jess L. Gibson
04.02.26
Jess L. "Gib" Gibson, 84, of Trinidad, Colorado, passed away on April 2, 2026. Born on July 20, 1941, in Granada, Colorado, to Philo and Eva Marie (Minder) Gibson, he spent his formative years in Bonners Ferry, Idaho.
After high school, Jess began a distinguished military career by enlisting in the United States Navy on August 31, 1959. He served in an Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) and earned his Master Diver badge before his honorable discharge in 1963.
While on leave in Trinidad, he met Gloria Ynostroza. Shortly after re-entering military service with the U.S. Army in early 1964, the couple married on February 12. Jess served as a combat medic and Special Forces soldier (18 Delta), earning his Green Beret and becoming both Airborne and Ranger qualified serving multiple tours overseas from 1959 until 1967.
The family eventually returned to Trinidad, where Jess attended armorer school at Trinidad State Junior College while Gloria taught High School English in Raton, NM. In 1969, they welcomed their daughter, Lori. The following year marked the start of his 26-year career with the Colorado State Patrol, where he rose to the rank of Captain. Tragically, Jess lost Gloria in January of 1986.
A new chapter began in February 1986 when he met Carol, the second love of his life. He retired from the State Patrol in 1996 but remained dedicated to public service, serving as the Undersheriff of Las Animas County for six years and later joining the Department of Homeland Security in 2002.
Jess and Carol shared 40 wonderful years together, 35 of them as a married couple. As soulmates who truly celebrated life, they cherished traveling across the country to visit their extensive family.
A lifelong gunsmith with a passion for education, Jess taught law enforcement courses through the NRA for over three decades. An avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing, he stayed active throughout his retirement, finding daily joy in his hobbies and coffee with friends.
Jess is survived by his wife, Carol; children Lori (Bo Bryson), Connie (Mark Whitfield), Fred (Karen Currier), Steve Currier, and Mark John Currier (Karen Oliver); 16 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to family, service to his country, and his lifelong passion for the outdoors.
A public viewing will be held, Monday, April 13, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Comi Funeral Home. A rosary will take place on Tuesday, April 14 at 12:30 p.m., followed by a funeral mass at 1:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Internment to follow at Trinidad Catholic Cemetery.