James “Jim” W. Tibbs, age 82, of Blissfield, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, August 9, 2016.
James Walter Tibbs was born on May 24, 1934, in Detroit, Michigan, to Jack and Teresa (Cissell) Tibbs. On September 14, 1958, Jim married the love of his life, Evelyn “Jeanette” Rigdon in Jackson, Michigan.
Jim’s family moved from Detroit to the Manitou Beach area in 1942. He attended Addison Schools, graduating in 1952, where he was very active in football and basketball. He proudly served in the Army during the late 50’s in Germany. Jim and his brother Jack took over the family business, Tibbs IGA grocery store in Manitou Beach. When the family later expanded their business to Blissfield, Jim and Jeanette moved there to manage the store. Although Jim and Jeanette lived in Blissfield, they were very close to their Manitou Beach family and friends.
Being an avid fan of youth sports, Blissfield American Legion baseball was especially important to Jim. Community service and civic organizations played a big part in Jim’s life. He was a life time member of Zenobia Shriners of Toledo, the Palmyra Masonic Lodge #184 F and AM, the Lenawee Country Club, where he once served as president, the Blissfield American Legion, and the Devil’s Lake Yacht Club.
Since 1984, Jim and Jeanette wintered in Carefree, Arizona, he enjoyed fishing, golfing and fine dining. Family was very important to Jim, he was definitely a family man who loved his wife, children, grandchildren, as well as his extended family members.
Survivors include his wonderful wife, Jeanette; daughter Jeana Tibbs Jordan; grandchildren, Christopher Jordan and Kathleen Jordan; sister Jane Clark; and sister in law, Chris Tibbs.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his son, Sam Tibbs in 2013, brother Jack Tibbs and son-in-law, Mark S. Jordan.
A memorial Celebration of Life for Jim will be held 11 am, Tuesday, August 16, 2016, at the Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel in Blissfield with Rev. Douglas Holmes officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery in Blissfield. Visiting hours will be Monday, August 15, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. A Masonic Service will be held Monday evening at 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Hospice of Lenawee, Wounded Warrior Project or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Online condolences are welcomed to the family at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com