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.