Jim "Smiley" Bybee
"Honey, I’m Home”
Jimmy Lee Bybee, 68 - retired realtor, devoted husband, doting father and grandfather, beloved brother and uncle – passed away on January 23, 2016, from lung cancer.
He lived life for his family and the friendships he cherished. He was passionate for golf, the Utah Jazz, cooking, fishing, and gardening. Jim was an always-smiling entrepreneur, passionate about selling real estate and helping people obtain their dream homes, and he was a faithful member of the LDS Church. He seemed immortal, larger than life, and infectiously good-natured.
Jim was born to Ross Leslie Bybee and Ellathine Taylor Bybee onMay 10, 1947, in Twin Falls, Idaho.
Shortly after graduating from Valley High School, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving in Vietnam 1966 -1969. After serving honorably in the service, he moved to Salt Lake and worked at his brother-in- law’s Chevron Service Station, where he met his future wife, Connie Jean Oberhansly, and married on July 27, 1971. Their marriage was solemnized 43 years later in the Salt Lake Temple on October 19, 2013. Their love was blessed by the arrival of two amazing children and four precious grandchildren. Jim worked at G. E. Company as a quality control inspector for 14 years. Then on brilliant impulse, he followed his dream and switched careers to become a licensed Realtor. He pursued a successful career in Real Estate for 24 years with Coldwell Banker, Wardley Better Homes, and the Sperry Group. During his retirement years, he worked for AirServ as a cargo agent for 7 years.
Survived by his wife, Connie; sisters Lois Bybee Maddy, Maxine Bybee Sharich, and brother Tom Bybee. Children: son Jeff Bybee (Crystal) and daughter Jennifer Bybee Rollins (Jason). Grandchildren: Paige and Chase Rollins and Jonah and Malia Bybee. Many beloved nieces and nephews and extended family members.
Preceded in death by Brother Ross “Bobe” Jr., and his parents.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 30th at 11 a.m. at the Cottonwood Heights 4th Ward Chapel, 2522 East 6710 South with a viewing at 10 a.m. prior to the funeral. Family and friends may also call at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East on Thursday evening 6– 8 p.m. Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
The Bybee family expresses heartfelt thanks to the Huntsman Cancer Institute,Dr. Akerly, Julie, and the nurses who provided tender, loving care for Jim. Appreciation is also expressed to friends for the outpouring of love and kindness. Though the pain is all but overwhelming, his family is filled with faith and hope for that day when they’ll embrace again in joy as an eternal family!