Joe Gibbs Racing announced Tuesday the creation of the J.D. Gibbs Legacy Fund in honor of its team co-founder and former president, who died Friday after a long battle with a neurological illness.

The team also announced that public memorial services will be held Friday morning, January 25 at Belk Arena at Davidson College in Davidson, North Carolina. The organization asks that in lieu of flowers for the memorial service to please consider a donation to the legacy fund.

The J.D. Gibbs Legacy Fund will benefit Young Life Ministry, a program that Gibbs actively participated in at the local and national level. The fund plans to reach youngsters of all socioeconomic backgrounds and provide financial support for facilities at Young Life’s Windy Gap Camp in Weaverville, North Carolina (pictured above).

Gibbs, the eldest son of Coach Joe Gibbs, passed away at age 49 after fighting a chronic, degenerative neurological condition. His death was met with an outpouring of support and tributes from the NASCAR community for his role as a crew member, driver, and determined team executive.

For more information, and to donate, visit the J.D. Gibbs Legacy Fund website.

(Photo of Young Life’s Windy Gap Camp courtesy of J.D. Gibbs Legacy Fund).