He was born
James Thomas Gibb, but adopted his mother's maiden name as his middle name, or as "Brunton Gibb" or "Brunton-Gibb" an optional
double surname. He studied at
Sydney High School and was to become a prominent member of their Old Boys' Union. He began his stage career entertaining troops as a member of the "Anzac Coves" (after a command performance at
Buckingham Palace given royal assent to be called "Royal Anzac Coves"), after active service in Egypt, France and Flanders. He studied elocution under
Lawrence Campbell and continued to draw on his expertise while gaining credentials for judging. He founded his elocution school in 1920?, based in Paling's Building, Sydney, where he later formed the Brunton Gibb Players. From 1919 to 1939 he regularly gave popular recitals, commonly at
St James' Hall in Phillip St., or King's Hall, Sydney, accompanied by performers such as Ethel Lang,
Lindley Evans,
Rosa Alba,
Albert Goossens,
Tom Lamond,
Idwal Jenkins and
Wilfred Thomas. He also supported rival schools run by Gladys Guest, S. Gordon Lavers, Zita Swales and Beth Powe. He organised music festivals and the first
Auburn eisteddfod. He served as adjudicator at that and similar competitions at
Kurri Kurri Taree Riverina Goulburn,
Maitland,
Toronto, New South Wales,
Windsor, Queensland then major contests in
Brisbane,
Wellington, New Zealand Devonport, Tasmania and contributed to many charity fund-raisers and
Anzac Day services. During WWII he served as an amenities officer (initially as lieutenant then promoted to captain), organising tours for such entertainers as
Gracie Fields He was an officer in the United Grand Lodge, a Masonic order, a competitive golfer, a competent singer, organist and piano accompanist. He was a member of the
Sydney Savage Club, being elected president in 1946. ==Personal life==