James Phillip Selbach

James (Jim) P. Selbach, age 62, devoted husband and father, passed away at home on May 21, 2023 surrounded by family. In his words, he did not “lose a battle with cancer; it was a tie.” Jim was born March 8, 1961 in Columbus, Ohio to Dr. Gustav and Pauline Selbach. His family moved to South Florida and settled in Lighthouse Point when he was eight years old. He attended Palm Cove Beach School and attended his freshman year at Deerfield High School where he played Varsity Basketball. Jim transferred to Pompano Beach High School for his sophomore year and continued playing basketball through high school graduation. He was named second team All County in basketball as a Senior. He graduated from Pompano Beach High School in 1979. Jim attended the University of Florida and graduated with a bachelors degree in Business Administration in 1984. He was a proud brother of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.

After graduation, he first worked as stock broker. He shifted his career in 1990 and became a high school math teacher at Northeast High School. Jim enjoyed teaching and taught Geometry and Algebra at Northeast High School for 33 years. Jim coached basketball at Northeast High School early in his career and had wonderful relationships with his students and coworkers.

In 1990, he met the love of his life, Jill McCallion, at his brother John’s wedding. Jim and Jill married the following year. Together they raised two beautiful children, Lindsay (21) and Troy (19). Jim’s favorite hobbies involved music, movies, comic books, art, sports, investing in the stock market, spending time with friends and drinking a Coca Cola or a German beer. He was a well regarded coach for youth sports in Lighthouse Point. He made many lifelong friends with parents, fellow coaches and referees while coaching basketball, baseball, softball, football and soccer. He shared his love of sports with his own children. Jim possessed an amazing memory and knowledge of sports and movie trivia. His quick wit captured the hearts of all who knew him.

Jim was extremely loyal and generous and he was always there to help friends in need. Jim loved his family with all his heart and made sure to convey that. He believed that you earn respect by treating others with respect. He always tried to give reassurance with one of his favorite sayings being, “You’re golden.”

Jim is survived by his wife, Jill and children Lindsay and Troy; his brothers John Selbach, Jeffrey Selbach (Courtney), and Christopher Selbach (Bella), sister-in-law, Susan O’Connor (Terrence); beloved nieces and nephews: Jordan (Hailey), Taylor (Jason), Kristen, Zachary, Matthew, Kevin, Dylan, Megan (Charles), Colin (Chelsea); his great nephews: Landon and Cooper; his great nieces: Taylor, Collins and Emma; his mother-in-law, Carole McCallion; great aunts Jane Hart and Gloria Grillo in addition to many other cousins and extended family. He was predeceased by his parents and sister-in-law(Robin).

A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday June 17, 2023 12pm - 4pm at Hugh’s Catering. As many of you know, Jim loved his Gators and Guitar Shows. Please wear your Orange and Blue or favorite concert shirt for Jim.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations for needy students at Northeast High School in honor of Jim Selbach. This donation will help less fortunate students. Checks can be made payable to Northeast High School.

The address: Attention Teresa Lupo: 700 NE 56th Street, Oakland Park, FL 33334. In the check memo: Memory of James Selbach. Phone: 754-322-1550. Email: [email protected]