James Matthew "Jim" Karibo

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.