James "Jim" Karibo

James “Jim” Matthew Karibo
February 8, 1933 - January 23, 2022

On Sunday, January 23, 2022, Jim joined his heavenly family and gained his “Eagle’s Wings”.
He was 88 years old. He died peacefully at his home under the care of his wife, Bobbie, family, VA
Home Based Primary Care of Lecanto, and Vitas Healthcare.
Jim was born in East St. Louis, Illinois and graduated from Cathedral High School in Belleville,
Illinois. He served in the Army during the Korean War. Jim received his Bachelor of Science Degree in
Aeronautical Administration from St. Louis University. He enjoyed a 30 year career with United Air
Lines at their headquarters in Chicago, Illinois. A lifelong Catholic, he was chosen as one of the first
Eucharistic Ministers in the Chicago Dioceses. After 35 years of cold, snowy winters in Chicago, Jim
and Bobbie relocated to Inverness where Jim remained active in his retirement by volunteering at
Friends of Fort Cooper and the Highlands Crime Watch. Jim was an original member of the PSO
program of the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office. He was very proud of his work with the Children and
Family Services Department. He was also a recognized volunteer at the aviation unit. And an official for
Supervisor of Election Office.
Jim was the beloved husband and best friend of his one and only love of 63 years, Bobbie.
Devoted father of Liz- husband Michael, Cyndi- husband Dean, Judie- husband Lou, Matt- wife Julie.
Loving grandfather “Poppo” of Amanda- fiance Brett, Kat- partner Dylan, and Corey- fiance Alli and
Carter. And a “favorite” to a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death
by his mother and father and son, James Jr. and all of his six siblings.
Celebration of Life gathering is scheduled for Tuesday, February 8th from 10-11 am at Heinz
Funeral Home in Inverness. It will be immediately followed by a Mass of Remembrance at Our Lady of
Fatima Catholic Church in Inverness at 11:30 am. Funeral service will be held at 1:30 pm at Florida
National Cemetery in Bushnell.
Contributions may be made to the Tunnel to Towers, the Pregnancy Life Center, or Jessie’s
Place.
Jim leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter that no one could match. We are sure that today
his soul is out there in the endless sky soaring, unencumbered by an aging body and mind.