The family of James Allen Gibavitch has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor their hero for his service to our country. It will be our privilege to do so.
James passed away of natural causes at seven-eight years of age.
James joined the Navy on 22 January 1962 and was honorably discharged on 21 January 1968. During his enlistment, he was a member of SEAL Team One. James served two tours of duty in Vietnam. As a SEAL, James took part in the splashdown recovery of the Gemini 5 space capsule carrying Gordon Cooper and Charles Conrad off the Florida coast on 29 August 1965. His awards/citations included the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Navy Unit Commendation Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. At the time of his honorable discharge, James was an E-3.
When James left the Navy, he did some professional boxing and trained boxers. He fought in the middleweight class. James also worked as an underwater welder, building boats. He was an ironworker with Local 272.
His hobbies included running on the beach, working out, and watching movies. His biggest activity was church; he loved to go to church. James was a good Christian man.
James is survived by his three daughters, Tammy, Leslie, and Staica. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
The accompaniment from the Community Center in Alpine to the Miramar National Cemetery will include two urns, consisting of James and his wife.
We will be using the “Final Honors” coach, and we have ordered bagpipes.
Please observe the latest “COVID-19” restrictions.
NOTE: This mission posting facilitates your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the Community Center in Alpine to his final resting place. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. We will meet you there for those who would rather go directly to the cemetery.
Time Table for Monday 14 February 2022
0730 – Stage at the Alpine Community Center, 1830 Alpine Blvd., Alpine.
https://goo.gl/maps/L1igYppPQdWgjugJ90745 – Mission Briefing
0755 – Flag line as designated by Ride Captain
0800 – KSU to Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr., San Diego
http://goo.gl/maps/rAfUs 0900 – Arrive at Miramar National Cemetery
0930 – Flag line, Service and Military Honors
R/C Ken Brassell
SoCalPGR Ride Captain
kenbrassell@gmail.com
619-333-9685
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this is your first mission, go to the initial staging area, and you will be briefed by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or wear casual attire while driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent with honor and respect for our Heroes—no talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we honor.
