James Herbert Tibbitts

James H. Tibbitts, age 93, of Cleveland, OH, passed away on September 3, 2025. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Katharine Tibbitts (née Pike); daughter Leslie Matsen (Paul) of Pepper Pike, OH; daughter Virginia Srere (Peter) of Scarsdale, NY; grandchildren Amanda Srere, Michael Srere, Courtney Matsen Clifford (Reed), Caitlin Matsen, Caroline Matsen; great-grandson Callum James Clifford; sister-in-law Anne Puffer and brothers-in-law Robert Pike and Frank Puffer.

Jim was born in Cleveland on February 21, 1932, to Virginia and Kennard Tibbitts. When he was 15 months old the family relocated to Edgemont, NY. His childhood was happily spent visiting cousins in Cleveland, playing with his dog, Brownie, model railroading, and participating in his favorite pastime, Scouting. He was active in Boy Scouts thoughout his high school years, achieving the Scouts’ highest rank of Eagle.

After graduating from Scarsdale High School, Jim attended Rutgers University, where among other activities, he became a member of Tau Kappa Alpha, the honorary debating society, and the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. In his senior year he was the recipient of the Pangburn Award, an honor given to the undergraduate who best exemplifies the ideals and principles of Phi Gamma Delta.

Following his graduation, Jim began his career at Bankers Trust Co. in New York City, and he proceeded to attend New York University at night, earning a Master of Business Administration. During this time Jim began teaching a Sunday School class at Scarsdale Community Baptist Church, where his family attended. It was at SCBC that he met Katharine Pike, whose family were also members. Romance blossomed, and in 1958 Jim and Kathy were married. After the wedding the couple moved to Bergenfield, NJ, and a year later they became the proud parents of a daughter, Leslie Anne. A few years later the family moved back to Scarsdale, where they proudly welcomed a second daughter, Virginia Kay. The following years were busy ones for Jim, working and volunteering in church and community activities. But his first priority was always his family. There were vacations, holidays and visits with extended family, and summers spent in Cape Cod. In addition, Jim had the opportunity to travel abroad extensively in his position at the bank, with Kathy joining him on many of his trips.

When the family began to grow, Jim happily welcomed his new sons-in-law, and he was thrilled with the arrival of each of his five grandchildren. After a few years of retirement, Jim and Kathy moved to Roswell, GA, to be near daughter Leslie’s family. It was at the Senior Center in Roswell that Jim discovered a hidden talent and deep interest in painting. For the next 16 years Jim and Kathy enjoyed being a part of the Roswell community, becoming active members of the Roswell Presbyterian Church, where Jim served for 14 years on the committee for visiting homebound parishioners. During that time they continued to travel, and there were wonderful visits back-and-forth with daughter Ginny’s New York family, as well as with other extended family and friends.

In 2016 Jim and Kathy again relocated, this time to Cleveland, coming full circle for Jim. They moved to Judson Park, 10 minutes from daughter Leslie’s new home in Shaker Heights. The following 9 years were fulfilling ones for Jim; he and Kathy became vital members of the Judson community and enjoyed all that Judson had to offer, including an exceptional art program where Jim’s passion for painting continued to flourish. He was a fixture in the Judson Park art room, spending a good portion of each day happily painting at his table in the studio.

Known for his kindness, gentle, patient manner, and friendly smile, Jim will be remembered for his quiet strength and devotion to family. He will be deeply missed by all those whose lives he touched.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 4th at 2:30 P.M. at First Baptist Church of Greater Cleveland, 3630 Fairmount Blvd., Shaker Heights, OH 44118. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Jim’s memory to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank,15500 S. Waterloo Rd, Cleveland, OH 44110, www.clevelandfoodbank.org, or to the Judson Foundation in support of the Creative Arts Fund, 2181 Ambleside Dr, Cleveland, OH, https://bit.ly/JDNFDN.