James Joseph Sibley
Sunday, July 12, 1942
Date of Death:
Monday, January 11, 2016
Age:
73 years old
Visitation
Date: Thursday January 14, 2016
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Second Visitation
Date: Friday January 15, 2016
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Funeral Mass
Date: Friday January 15, 2016
Time: 11:00 am
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Grandview Memorial Gardens [ view map ]
Sunday, July 12, 1942
Date of Death:
Monday, January 11, 2016
Age:
73 years old
Sunday, July 12, 1942
Date of Death:
Monday, January 11, 2016
Age:
73 years old
James Joseph Sibley
James Joseph “Jim” Sibley, 73 years old, of Rochester, MN, died peacefully surrounded by his family at Seasons Hospice House on Monday, January 11, 2016.
Jim was born on July 12, 1942 to Ray and Eileen Sibley of Rochester, MN. He was the oldest of 8 children. He attended Lourdes High School and graduated with the class of 1960. After high school he attended classes at the University of Minnesota, then went on to pursue a career in broadcasting. He attended Brown Institute of Technology in the Twin Cities, after which he relocated to Blythe, California. There he soon became known for his colorful commentary and his passionate style of sports broadcasting. Jim always said that his job was to “paint a verbal picture” for the listener, to make the listener feel like they were there, at the game.
He later returned to Rochester, Minnesota where he continued his career through KWEB and KWWK-KWLM radio stations, broadcasting softball and basketball both for men’s and women’s leagues, as well as area football games. It has been said that Jim’s enthusiasm, support and entertaining radio coverage of girls’ basketball games in the region brought deserved recognition to the sport and was instrumental in the growth of girls’ basketball programs in SE Minnesota. It was not a very well guarded secret that Jim was a bit of a “HOMER” when it came to the Lourdes High School girls. His involvement with softball games and tournaments in and around Rochester rejuvenated the love of the sport for many area fans and brought the games from McQuillan and Soldier’s Field softball diamonds into the homes of those who had no one to “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” Jim loved sports of any kind, anywhere, anytime, day or night, but the LA Dodgers were always at the top of his list. In his later years he also worked at the Second Street Ramp in Downtown Rochester.
Jim’s Catholic faith was a cornerstone in his life and a strength that he relied on throughout his life.
Jim is survived by 7 siblings: John (Lois) Sibley, Mary Jane (Don) Hass, Sheila (Tom) Walsh, Chuck Sibley and Julie Assef, all of Rochester, Rosemary (Tim) Teas of Brooklyn Center MN and Barbara Sibley of St. Paul, MN; 17 nieces and nephews, 22 great nephews and nieces, 2 aunts, Pat Kelley of Rochester and Elizabeth Gunn of Arizona, an uncle, William McConnell of Georgia, as well as countless first, second and third cousins in a large and loving family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray Sibley and Eileen (McConnell) Sibley.
A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00AM Friday, January 15, 2016 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home with the Rev. Paul Nelson officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00PM – 8:00PM, Thursday, January 14, 2016 in the River Park Chapel and one hour prior to the Mass on Friday. Burial will be at Grandview Memorial Gardens.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
Memorials are suggested to The Lourdes High School Foundation, Seasons Hospice, or to the organization of the donor’s choice.
Condolences
The family of James Joseph Sibley has received the following condolences.
Our love and prayers are with all of you. Joe & Beatriz
Jim was a great guy. He always had something good to say. I looked forward to our short encounters at the garage. He came from a fantastic family with a long legacy that I hope continues to be part of our community.
Neva and I were very sorry to hear about Jim's passing. I grew up with Jim and the Sibley family. Had supper down there a few times. Jim showed me how to make a hot beef sandwich. We used to play a lot of rink hockey games and pick up baseball games wherever we could. Played golf on Mondays at the country club. One of my favorite memories playing golf with Jim was up on number 16. He hit a bad shot threw the club he was playing with picked up his bag tookl the clubs out one at a time and through them and then he threw the bag. It was a wonderful life back then and Jim made it even better. God speed Jim and may the wind be always at your back.
Condolences to all of the "Sibs"
David and Neva Duffy
5340N Hobnail Ct
Stone Lake, WS. 54876
507-259-7644
As cousin and classmate my thoughts and prayers go out to all of Jim's siblings. My memories with Jim are many, from boot hockey when they lived NE Rochester, Cub Scouts, pee wee and midget baseball, youth football, church league basketball and softball, caddying at the Country Club, Belly Acres and later Men's League softball. We even managed to have a few beers together. We shared a lot of laughs together and that cannot be taken away. Rest in peace "Hacker" and I will see you on the Back Nine. Mike
Mary Jane and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers and condolences for your family.
My condolences to the Sibley family. The sports scene in Rochester has lost one of it's great ambassadors this week with the passing of Jim. I hope that Jim's contributions to Rochester athletics and his infectious personality bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Tyler Glynn and Family
So sorry to hear about Jims' passing, my prayers to the family.
Our deepest sympathy to theentire SIbley clan. Everyone has a favorite "SOD" story and we all will remember his enthusiasum and love for his family, faith, LOURDES, and sports. HE as truly a gift to the world. JP AND JAN JONES
Jim and I went all through grade school and then high school at Lourdes. Jim was always so nice to everyone. He will be missed.
Carol Cronin Costigan
Jules,
I am so sorry of the loss of your brother Jim. My heart goes out to you and your family. I love you so much Jules!
I was so sorry to read of the death of your brother, Shelia. He sounds like a great guy who loved everyone and everything and I'm sure he'll be missed by all. Although I didn't know him, I can understand the loss you and your family are feeling, but even though he is gone from your sight, he'll remain in your heart forever. Sending my sympathy and friendship at this difficult time...
Diane Parker
Jim and I were classmates for many years and graduated from Lourdes in 1960. He was unfailingly kind and always full of wonderful enthusiasm. From early days when he was carrying his paper bag to later broadcasting years he always greeted everyone with that wonderful smile.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Sibley clan.
Kitty McNeil Leighton
To the entire Sibley Family:
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathy at this most difficult time. You are all such wonderful cousins. I am so sorry to hear of your loss of your brother, Jim. I know he is now with Ray and Eileen, Dora and Fred and the rest of the Sibley's in heaven, but he will be missed.
So saddened to hear of Jim's passing. He was a kind man with an unmistakeable voice and it was an honor to have known him. Sending prayers to the Sibley family. Rest in peace Jim.
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of the family. Hopefully your good memories will quickly replace the sorrow you feel now. Sending prayers.
I was honored to know Jim and to, I hope, help him as one of his caregivers. My prayers are with his family.
Jim was a great man and his affection for sports was a great attribute of his. I was fortunate to play in quite a few games that Jim broadcast in the Rochester Fast pitch softball league over the years and got to know he and his brother Chuck well. Jim loved what he did and he loved sports. Now he has the best seat in the house!
Marshall Behrens