A longtime submariner who served in the U.S. Navy from 1948 to 1974 has passed away. Lieutenant Commander James Gibson is revered among veterans in the North State, having served through both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Gibson served on subs for 20 years before being assigned to a surface ship in a command position on the U.S.S. Coucal, a submarine rescue ship. Gibson wrote a book about how he turned around the Coucal’s poor reputation and made her crew of 86 sailors proud to identify themselves with that ship. Gibson also served as a deep sea diver for 6 years. As Cuttlefish Base Commander he was instrumental in placing a submariners monument at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery, which bears the words “Sailor Rest Your Oar”. The cemetery will host a public memorial for Gibson at 11 O’clock Thursday morning.