I want to make simple maps, map symbols and edit .jpg and.gif files. Simple stuff really.

I have Gimp but it's way too complicated.

Something like MS Paint, and/or the OLD MS Publisher. Those two together did everything I wanted.

I've tried LibreOffice Draw but that doesn't cut it.

Currently running Mint 18.1.

Take a look at Pinta.
https://www.pinta-project.com/

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A couple simple searches turn up dozens of possibilities.
"tools for diagramming in linux"
and
"drawing tools for linux"

Symbols are better created with a drawing editor like Inkscape. The difference is that a drawing editor is based on vectors, whereas an image editor is based on pixels. Vectors aren't tied to a specific resolution.
Ed

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Drawing
Description: simple drawing application for the GNOME desktop
Drawing is a simple image editor similar to MS Paint and designed
for the GNOME desktop environment. It includes a set of image
manipulation tools for every day basic image editing needs.

Photoflare
Description: Simple but powerful Image Editor
PhotoFlare is an effort to bring quick, simple but powerful image editing to
the masses. PhotoFlare is inspired by the image editor PhotoFiltre which is
available only on another OS. PhotoFlare is designed for beginner users with
the aim to give them a tool easy to learn and use.

mtpaint
Description: painting program to create pixel art and manipulate digital photos
mtPaint is a free, open source graphic editing program which uses the GTK+
toolkit.
It is geared towards creating indexed palette images and pixel art.

Pinta
Description: Simple drawing/painting program
Pinta is an easy to use drawing/editing program. Its goal is to
provide a simplified experience for casual users.
.
Features include:
- Adjustments (Auto level, Black and White, Sepia, …)
- Effects (Motion blur, Glow, Warp, …)
- Multiple layers
- Unlimited undo/redo
- Drawing tools (Paintbrush, Pencil, Shapes, …)

Just search your distros repos, there should be a lot of graphical image tools.

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I have always found Kolourpaint to be excellent.

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additionally you may try xnview.

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Thanks all for replies.