James M. Sibley

James Malcolm Sibley died quietly at home from natural causes on September 17, 2015. He celebrated his 96th birthday on Wednesday, August 5 surrounded by family and friends. Mr. Sibley, known as Jimmy to his friends and associates, was for decades a leader in business and civic concerns. He was a board member of The Coca-Cola Company, the Trust Company of Georgia and Sun Trust Banks, Inc., John H. Harland Company and Rock-Tenn Company. He was a director emeritus of Life Insurance Company of Georgia. He also served on the boards of Emory University, Oglethorpe University, the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation, Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation, the Lettie Pate Evans Foundation, Berry College in Rome Georgia, and Calloway Gardens Foundation, among others. He was a member of the Commerce Club and an honorary life member of the Piedmont Driving Club. Former Emory University President Dr. Jim Laney, a close friend for more than 40 years, said, "Jimmy Sibley stood at the very forefront of Atlanta leadership for more than 60 years, touching every aspect of life-law, corporate, educational, and philanthropic. He was one of the most remarkable people I have ever known. His rock-ribbed integrity, his brilliant and incisive mind and generous and loyal heart made him a true and cherished friend and counselor. His penetrating comments could unnerve but were always on the mark. That made his counsel sought after by us all. I know of no one who didn't stand in awe of Jimmy even while we loved him." Jimmy's wife Karen and their son Quintus Whitaker Sibley (Robbie) both died last year. He is survived by his children: Karen Mariea Sibley, James Malcolm Sibley, Jr. (Jane), Jack Norris Sibley (Cary), and Elsa Alexandra Sibley. He is also survived by his siblings Martha Sibley George of Sarasota, Barbara Thayer Sibley, Horace Holden Sibley, John Adam Sibley III, nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. His sister Jeanette Sibley Yow and his brother Stephen Thayer Sibley also predeceased him. James Malcolm Sibley was born in Atlanta to Jeannette (Nettie) Whitaker Cone and John Adams (Papa) Sibley on August 5, 1919. Jimmy attended E. Rivers Elementary School and North Fulton High School before going to Episcopal High School in Alexandria, VA. where he was an avid student of Latin, an affinity that stayed with him in college and throughout his readings and travel. In 1937, he was admitted to Princeton University where he was on the debate team, played tennis, and began his lifelong courtship of Karen Norris who attended Sweet Briar College. They were married April 6, 1942 in the Cathedral of St. Philip. After graduating from Princeton in 1941, he attended Woodrow Wilson College of Law briefly, was admitted to the Georgia Bar on February 1, 1942 and joined the King & Spalding firm. A member of the greatest generation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a pilot and served from April, 1942 to September, 1945. He was returning from his first bombing mission in Germany. His plane was shot down over France December 31, 1943. He was a German prisoner of war until the Russians liberated the prisoners of Stalag Luft No. 1, in Barth, April, 1945. After the war, Jimmy attended Harvard Law School for one year before returning to King & Spalding until his retirement in 1991 and served a term as managing partner. He and Karen lived in Ansley Park for more than 60 years. They enjoyed every Saturday with extended family and friends gathered at Papa's cabin at Sope Creek Farm for tennis, riding, swimming in the lake and a big fried chicken lunch. In more recent years, he enjoyed time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He remained an avid reader, worked crossword puzzles from The New York Times and became adept at emailing on his iPad and sending photographs to family and friends. The family is grateful for the excellent care and attention by Lizzie Erwin, Rosilyn Henderson, Erin Howard and Fieonna Tucker. A service honoring Jimmy's life will be held Tuesday September 22, 2015 at 11:00 am at All Saints Episcopal Church. The family will greet guest at a reception following the service. In lieu of flowers the family suggest that you make a contribution to a charity of your choice Online condolences may be made at hmpattersonspringhill.com