Public downtown memorial set for Lexington Councilman Jake Gibbs who died unexpectedly
A Lexington councilman who represented much of downtown and the neighborhoods surrounding the University of Kentucky died unexpectedly Tuesday morning, city officials said.
Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton released a statement Tuesday afternoon confirming the death of Lexington-Fayette Urban County Councilman Jake Gibbs.
“Our community has gotten some very tough news today. Third District Council member Jake Gibbs has died,” Gorton said. “Our prayers are with his family … his wife, Anita, and his daughters.”
A public memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Kentucky Theatre downtown, Gorton announced Wednesday.
A cause of death was not released. Friends and colleagues said Gibbs had not been in ill health.
Gibbs, 66, announced last year that he would not seek re-election in November. He was first elected in 2014 and was in his third term on council. Prior to running for council, Gibbs taught history and logic at Bluegrass Community and Technical College.
A native of Troy, New York, Gibbs moved to Lexington in 1978 to study history at the University of Kentucky. He later received his master’s degrees in history and library science. He taught at BCTC from 1988 to 2014, according to information on Gibbs’ council web site.
While in graduate school Gibbs washed dishes and waited tables at Alfalfa Restaurant. In 1987, Gibbs and seven friends and employees bought the restaurant after it fell on hard times. Gibbs later sold his ownership stake in Alfalfa but remained committed to local food. While on council, he was a long-time champion of the Lexington Farmers Market.
“Jake was a real warrior for his district, “ Gorton said. “He enjoyed and fiercely protected our historic neighborhoods and downtown. An avid walker and cyclist, he staunchly defended the environment, encouraging the growth of our urban forest and safeguarding our farmland. We will miss his steady hand and his unshakable community spirit.”
Former Mayor Jim Gray, who served with Gibbs for four years, called Gibbs “a humble giant of a man” with a long record of public service.
“My heart is saddened,” Gray said. “Jake Gibbs represented the very heart and soul of Lexington. With an irrepressible smile and a generous spirit, he loved family and friends and he adored our city. “
Gibbs frequently advocated for safer streets and better pedestrian crossings. A staunch environmentalist, he pushed for protection of the city’s trees and helped create a nonprofit, Trees Lexington!, to encourage more tree planting on private property.
The council canceled its Environmental Quality and Public Works Committee meeting earlier Tuesday. The council held an abbreviated council work session on Tuesday, only conducting essential business before adjourning.
Several council members expressed shock and sadness after Gibbs’ death was announced.
“I lost a good friend and our community lost a great leader with the sudden passing of Jake Gibbs today,” said Councilman Richard Moloney on Twitter. “He was a tireless advocate and voice for the 3rd district. Our prayers to his family.”
Councilman James Brown, who represents the First District, another key downtown district, called Gibbs a ‘rockstar’ of local politics. It was Gibbs’ easy-going demeanor that made him approachable inside and outside of council chambers, Brown said.
“Our community has lost a ‘Rockstar’ in regards to local politics,” Brown said. “His positive demeanor made him easy to talk to about making Lexington safer, greener, more pedestrian and cyclist friendly. He was a regular guy with big heart, he loved his family, his friends and this community. I consider it an honor to have served with him on council, but it was truly an honor to be his friend.”
Gorton will appoint someone to serve the remaining nine months of Gibbs’ term, which ends in December. Whoever is elected to the 3rd District seat in November will begin the new term in January. There are four candidates running in the 3rd District May primary. The top two vote-getters will move on to the general election in November.
This story was originally published March 3, 2020 at 3:23 PM.
