James Alan (Jim) Hobbs passed peacefully on November 23, 2025. Beloved husband of Linda Hobbs (nee Fischer); dearest father of Leigh (Matthew) Nieman, Bradley (Debra) Hobbs; dearest grandfather (Pa) of Lily Grace and Oliver Jeffrey Nieman; Benjamin James and Ryan Quincy Hobbs; dearest brother to Charles W (Bill) Hobbs and the late Mary Ann Higginbothom, dear brother-in-law to Sally and Randy Freese, uncle, cousin and friend to many.
Jim was born on July 31, 1947, in Saint Louis, Mo, to Charles and Mary Hobbs (nee Kinsey). He spent his childhood years in Winfield, MO. 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 (nee Fischer) 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 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, he served as a City of Sunset Hills Alderman for 8 years. He was then elected to Mayor in 1999 serving through 2006. Jim was instrumental in developing Sunset Plaza and was an advocate for city services and adding and maintaining park land within the city.
Jim also was 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 MO State Championship football game in 2014 together. He was inducted into the Saint 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 life long passion for the sport of golf, 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, Saint Louis, MO 63123, Thursday, December 11th from 4:00 p.m. until 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.
Leigh I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m praying for you and all your family. I did not know your Dad but reading his obituary he sounds like a great man. Keep all those great memories you have in your heart.