James M. Sibbing, age 83, of Quincy, died at 7:02 PM on Wednesday, the 11th of April, 2018 in Blessing Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. James was born on May the first, 1934 to Ruby (Reis) and Bertram Sibbing in Quincy. He was a 1952 graduate of Notre Dame High School.

James was born a tinkerer and was a pioneer in the early days of TV repair and electronics. He also worked for the Byerly Piano and Organ Co., repairing church organs all around the area. James served his country in the US Army at the Dugway proving grounds in Utah from 1957 to 1959 before coming back to Quincy and a long career as an engineer for Motorola, helping to develop the cutting edge electronics of the day. He went to Taipei Taiwan from 1972 to 1974 to open a very large Motorola television factory.

After the closing in 1975 of Motorola in Quincy, James worked for American Safety in Palmyra, MO and his own Technical Services Company. In 1984 James became the chief engineer and facilities manager for the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy. He was instrumental in many modernization and beautification projects such as the shelter houses, fountains, bus stop and rededication of the WWII memorial moved from Washington Park. James retired from the Veterans Home in 1999.

He married June Bryant in 1956 before joining the Army. They had three children, Jeff Sibbing (Kathy) of Quincy, Jonathan Sibbing (Connie) of Quincy, and Julie Sibbing (Maria Lewis) of Alexandria, VA. In 1976 James married Fu Ching Kou, and they had two daughters, Wendy (Ahmad) Mohandes of Phoenix, AZ and Sally Sibbing (Jeff Goehl) of Quincy. James married his current wife, Dulce Altgilbers (nee Elsenpeter) in 1998 and has two step-children Rocky Altgilbers (Racheal) of Hannibal, MO and Mary Altgilbers (Jeremy Hoelscher) of Quincy. James also has 14 grandchildren, Shawn Sibbing of Quincy, Dylan Sibbing of Daytona Beach, FL, Ashley Wilhoit (Chad) of Quincy, Courtney Reeves (Dustin) of Quincy, Kayla Sibbing of Quincy, Ethan Sibbing of Quincy, Abigail Sibbing of Quincy Samir Mohandes of LA, CA, Nasim Mohandes of Phoenix, AZ, Lennon Altgilbers of Hannibal, MO, Vincent Altgilbers of Hannibal, MO, Penelope Altgilbers of Hannibal, MO, Jordyn Goehl of Quincy and Jacob Hoelscher of Quincy. Survivors include all of the above as well as three great-grandchildren, Eliza, Bryson and Zoey, Step-great-grandchildren, Skyler, and Blaine and several nephews.

James had many interests and hobbies like collecting and restoring everything from antique engines and homes to rare cars and motorcycles. He was an accomplished machinist and was said to be able to fix anything. In younger days he liked to race hot rod boats, and always had a string of European sports cars, and his old Willys Jeep. He was also an avid reader and history buff, collecting a large WWI and II library. James was a lifetime mentor and teacher to hundreds of people. At times he was a night school machinist teacher, the pack 59 Cub Scout Leader, a founder of the Great River Barbershop Chorus, President of the Quincy preserves, and founder of the Friends of the Castle in Quincy. In his retirement, James kept very busy with restoration projects, selling rarities on E-bay, or teaching merit badges to his grandsons whole boy scout Troop 22. James was a great lover of classical music, and supported the local music community. He also loved his dogs which he always doted on. He maintained life long friendships and enjoyed keeping up with everything going on with friends and family.

James was preceded in death by his mother and father, a sister Vivian McFarland and a brother Robert Sibbing, a niece and three nephews.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 16, 2018 from 4:00 until 7:00 PM in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Quincy Humane Society. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.