James Merlin Kibble, Sr.

James Merlin Kibble, Sr., who was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan on August 7, 1959, has returned to his heavenly home on June 28, 2018. He married his lifelong partner and true soul mate Marcia Kay (Lehigh) Kibble on July 7, 1979. They resided in Pickford, Michigan. They had two children: James and Tiffany and adopted a sibling group of five children: Adam, Melody, Toby, Teela, and Josh. He felt blessed to have grandchildren and looked forward to the birth of his great-grandchild. Those who knew him were inspired by his loving nature. A man of few words, he spoke through his kind deeds and helping hand. His faith in God was expressed in his life and in the way he treated those who came into his life. For 36 years, he worked at Johnson Body Shop, where he enjoyed working with his brother, Ronnie Kibble as an auto body repairman. He welcomed many children into his home as a foster father as well as anyone who needed a place to stay. He and his wife owned S'more Memories LLC a campground management company where he was blessed to combine his love of camping with his love of hard work. He enjoyed dirt bikes, dune buggies, motorcycles, snowmobiles, cars, boats, and horse riding. But his real enjoyment came from his children, grandchildren and great niece and nephew. Animals had a love for him before others. He had many pets that enjoyed his gentle nature including horses, dogs, and a monkey. He expressed his love by his constant hard work for the better of his family and friends. This was done through his unending skills of mechanical repair, carpentry, and as a handyman. He was seldom idle and expressed his love in every task he attempted. Many skills he acquired from his mentor, Royce Rader, who has gone before him. He enjoyed helping a stranger, never wanting anything in return. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Barbeau where on July 5, 2018, the visitation will be held from 3 until 5:00 PM. His funeral Mass will then be said at 5:00 PM. His friends and family will meet at C.S. Mulder Funeral Home on July 6th at 3:00 PM for his burial procession to Holy Family Cemetery on M-129. His life will forever leave a mark on the lives of those who came in contact with his gentle and loving soul.

Tributes

James Merlin Kibble, Sr.

August 7, 1959 - June 28, 2018