James Craig Hibbard

Jim was born on October 10, 1950, in Quincy, Illinois, the first of three sons to Sally and Eldon Hibbard. After graduating from Quincy High School, he studied civil engineering at Bradley University. During this time, he married his first wife, Susan (Grimmer), and together they welcomed two children, Jacy and Craig. Jim went on to complete a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, followed by a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois and was subsequently licensed as a Professional Engineer in the State of Colorado.

Jim’s career centered around public service, where his expertise and leadership made a lasting impact in water utilities in Northern Colorado. As Water Engineering & Field Services Manager at the City of Fort Collins Utilities, he served the community for 31 years, including a key leadership role during the devastating 500-year flood of 1997. He later served as the District Manager for the Little Thompson Water District from 2009 until his retirement in 2016.

Beyond his professional achievements, Jim’s greatest pride was his family. He was a loving, engaged father to Craig (Tracy) and Jacy. When he married his second wife, Mary Siebe, he joyfully embraced Mary’s daughter Jamie (Dean) as part of his heart and home. Becoming “Papa Jimmy” to grandchildren Emma, Owen, Isabela, and Natalia was one of the greatest joys of his life, and he embraced the role with warmth and love.

Music was a constant thread through Jim’s life. While a member of the Fort Collins First Presbyterian Church, he played in the handbell choir. In his later years, he found joy and connection singing with the Silvertones Senior Choir.

Jim lost Mary to cancer after twenty-eight dedicated years of marriage. He often said he was blessed to have experienced true love with Mary.

He felt doubly blessed to find love again with Jackie Panuska. Jackie’s care, devotion, and companionship were treasured by Jim, especially in his final months.

Jim will be remembered for his integrity, kindness, humor, and steadfastness.

He is survived by his children Craig Hibbard (Tracy), Jacy Hibbard, and Jamie Smith (Dean); his grandchildren Emma and Owen Smith, and Isabela and Natalia Acosta; his brothers Dan Hibbard (Kathleen) and Steve Hibbard (Patti); and many beloved nieces, nephews, in both the Hibbard and Siebe families. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Siebe, and his parents, Sally and Eldon Hibbard.