Jim Nybo died on Aug. 1, 2015, in Helena, with his wife Suzanne and son Thomas at his side. He was 68, and had been fighting cancer for many years.
Jim was born in Glasgow, but fell in love with Helena upon his arrival in 1970.
He held a number of jobs and positions, including city commissioner, head of the library board, the president of the Montana Mediation Association, and chairman of Helena’s Cooperative Health Center. He served as an economist with the Northwest Power Planning Council, and worked for the state of Montana in public health, and natural resources. He also served with the Montana Army National Guard. He was named 1992 Library Trustee of the Year. Jim had the most fun, though, hosting a Charlie Rose-style talk show on Helena Civic TV, where he interviewed local artists, politicians and other colorful characters.
Jim led an active outdoor life. He coached his son’s soccer teams and also volunteered for years as a referee. Jim spent many happy days on his sailboat, navigating the waters of Canyon Ferry with friends and family. Each summer, for more than 20 years, he and his bicycling buddies would pedal hundreds of miles through some of the most spectacular scenery in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming and Canada. He was also an avid downhill and cross-country skier.
For years, Jim played saxophone in local bands. He passed many summer evenings with other musicians under Memorial Park’s band shell, and also played with The Helena Big Band.
As an avid antique collector, his wife often dragged Jim to yard sales, estate sales, basements, attics and garages in search of treasures. If she bought an interesting piece of antique furniture in need of repair, Jim would disappear to his workshop, make the necessary changes, and re-emerge with the refurbished item in top form. He took the same approach to restoring their Victorian home, where he lived for more than 40 years.
Jim graduated from Billings West High School, and Montana State University, where he earned a master’s degree in economics. He was a man of faith, and enjoyed attending church.
He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence, and niece Taya Oshanick. He is survived by his mother, Fran; wife Suzanne; son Thomas (Charidy); brother Thomas Edward; sister Kyiahshekanna Nybo Evans (Michael); and grandchildren Micah and Maya.
We will celebrate Jim’s life at Plymouth Congregational Church, 400 S. Oakes St., on Thursday, Aug. 6, at 11:45 a.m.
The family would like to thank the kind staff at Touchmark and Rocky Mountain Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Pad for Paws Foundation or the Lewis & Clark Humane Society.
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Judith Gedrose says
Suzanne and OJ and family,
Please accept our sincere condolences regarding the passing of Jim.
Kyiahshekanna Evans says
Jim has always been my older brother, whom I adore! Jim is the most intelligent person I have ever met! Not only was he a walking encyclopedia, be was a very warm, compassionate and human being who had a terrific sense of humor, positive, “can do” attitude in life, and was a lover of dogs! I shall miss sailing with Jim, skiing, bike riding, hiking, eating his terrific meals he cooked for me and laughing with him! Jim knew what love was. He loved his wife Suzanne like no other, and she him. Suzanne and Jim took excellent care of one another all the way to the end. I believe they are soulmates for all eternity and will be together again! Jim, the angel that you are, please watch over Suzanne, Thomas, Charidy, your two little grandchildren, because they all need your strength! <3
Jim, I know I will see you again! Please give Taya a great big kiss for me and give our father a hug! May you soar free now! I love you and shall always and forever remember all the more than terrific times, but most importantly, I deeply love and miss you! <3
Mike, Kyiahshekanna and Jamie Evans says
Mike, Kyiahshekanna and Jamie Evans purchased the Sentiments of Serenity Spray for the family of James “Jim” Nybo.
Michelle Kimball says
We are so sorry for the loss of your beloved husband. We had the privilege of meeting him when he was starting with Mike and Kyiah and what very nice man he was. May the Lord give you peace and comfort during this time. Sending our prayers. Jim and Michelle_Kimball (Joshua”s mother and father)
Enda Nybo Martin, Janet and Pat says
Enda Nybo Martin, Janet and Pat purchased the Beautiful in Blue for the family of James “Jim” Nybo.
PAMELA NYBO says
Jim was a wonderful kind man and a good friend of this Nybo family, especially with the support and friendship he shared with me when Len passed. He contributed to the strength I needed to find a way to survive that passing. I send comfort to Suzanne, Thomas, Francis and ALL the Nybo family who knew and loved him.
Pam, Andrea, Perry, Breanne and Tanner Nybo
Robert says
Suzanne, I just found out of the passing of Jim. My most sincere condolences for your loss. May the Lord have him in his glory.
Robert Boughton Jr.
San Antonio, TX