James Gibides Jr. was born in Syracuse, New York. He was attending Syracuse University, taking political science classes when he moved to Arizona in 1986 where he attended and graduated from Rio Salado Community College with my AA. He enrolled into Ottawa University where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. While attending college, he worked at the Bank of America where he was responsible for securing the employees, in a high-rise environment, from internal and external interruptions while teaching them how to protect themselves. He was responsible for writing safety and security policy and procedures associated with the "high-rise" and, at the same time, managing the contract guards chosen to assist in security details as well as writing performance reviews. After graduating with his bachelor's degree, he enrolled into Western International University where he graduated with a 3.7 GPA in public administration in law enforcement. After graduating, he took and passed his LSAT at Arizona State University and applied for law school at San Diego State University where he was accepted. But due to financial restraints at the time, he decided it was in his best interest to pursue his Arizona peace officer certification, attending Mesa Community College and acquiring a 4.0 GPA. He accepted a position with the Arizona Highway Patrol where after working as a police officer for ten years and receiving the director's award and several other commendations, he retired to run for Highland Justice of the Peace. He lost the election.
Education:
1998: Master's degree in public administration: Western International University, Phoenix, Arizona, GPA 3.7.
1992: Bachelor of Arts degree: criminal justice, Ottawa University, Phoenix, Arizona, GPA 3.3.
Certificates:
Police officer, truck enforcement officer levels II and II, General Instructor, Field Officer/Training Instructor, Mobile Video Instructor, advanced collision investigation officer, first responder awareness, HGN, Adams 5000 and the Intoxilyzer 8000, basic law enforcement photography, "moving" and stationary radar, field testing marijuana and powers, highway drug interdiction and terrorism training, and carry concealed weapons permit.
Awards:
1974: Bravery Above and Beyond the Call of Duty.
1999: Larry Thompson physical fitness award.
2003: Officer of the Year, District Six Area Six.
2003: Community service award presented by the Apache Junction Elks Club.
2004: Director's Unit Citation Highway Patrol, District Six.
Appointments and community volunteer:
2005: Appointed Judge Pro Temp for trial courts of Arizona.
Currently and for several years a sitting board member of the Town of Gilbert Human Relations Culture and Arts Promotion Commission Board.
Driving instructor for AARP.
