James “Jim” Alan Hobbs died peacefully on Nov. 23, 2025.

He was the beloved husband of Linda Hobbs (née Fischer); the dearest father of Leigh (Matthew) Nieman, Bradley (Debra) Hobbs; the dearest grandfather (Pa) of Lily Grace Nieman, Oliver Jeffrey Nieman, Benjamin James Hobbs and Ryan Quincy Hobbs; the dearest brother to Charles W. (Bill) Hobbs and the late Mary Ann Higginbothom; the dear brother-in-law to Sally and Randy Freese; an uncle, cousin and friend to many.

Jim was born on July 31, 1947, in St. Louis to Charles and Mary Hobbs (née Kinsey). He spent his childhood years in Winfield, Missouri. After graduating from Winfield High School, he continued his education at Southwest Missouri State College, earning a bachelor’s degree in business. Before graduating, he enlisted and served in the Missouri National Guard and was recognized as the “Guardsman Of The Year” during his service in 1973.

Jim met his beloved wife Linda in the fall of 1966. They married in 1970 and were blessed with two wonderful children. On June 13, 2025, they celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. They had a long and loving marriage and were a true example of love, companionship and commitment to one another.

Jim began his career in the electrical sign industry, working college summers for his father. Upon his father's passing, he purchased and became the owner and president of Kirn Sign. He was proud of his largest accounts: Busch Stadium and the flying scoreboard Cardinal, Brown Shoe International, Ralston Purina and McDonnell Douglas.

In addition to his work life, Jim served as a Sunset Hills alderman for eight years. He was then elected as mayor in 1999, serving through 2006. Jim was instrumental in developing Sunset Plaza and was an advocate for city services and adding and maintaining parkland within the city.

Jim was also a football and basketball official with the St. Louis Officials Association. He was very proud to officiate on the same football crew alongside his son, Brad; a highlight of his career was officiating the Missouri State Championship football game in 2014 with his son. Jim was inducted into the St. Louis Officials Association Hall of Fame in 2022.

In his free time, as a young man, Jim enjoyed playing racquetball and basketball. He had a lifelong passion for the sport of golf and tournament bass fishing, including fishing trips to Canada. Some of his favorite times were those spent at the Lake of the Ozarks, taking boat rides, supervising fireworks and family fun weekends. He was a self-proclaimed grillmaster and super spectator and supporter of his children and grandchildren.

Jim’s gift for friendship and storytelling meant he never met a stranger, and he always had a great story to share.

Services: Visitation at Kutis Funeral Home,10151 Gravois Road, on Dec. 11 from 4 to 7:00 p.m. Contributions may be made in his memory to Tunnel to Towers Foundation (www.t2t.org) or a charity of your choice.