James Giblin Obituary

Giblin
James M.
Giblin
May 9, 1942
November 27, 2025

James Michael Giblin passed away peacefully on the evening of November 27, 2025 in Colorado Springs at Morningstar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Mountain Shadows with his family at his side. Jim was born May 9, 1942, in Billings, MT to Charles and Adeline Giblin.

His parents raised him and his older brother J. Patrick (Pat) in the small town of Laurel, MT. Some of his favorite memories and stories were from the time he spent helping his dad at the family restaurants, the Mill Drive In and the Dutch Mill. After graduating from Laurel High School Jim moved to Minnesota to attend The College of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN. He returned to Montana where he graduated from the University of Montana in Missoula.

A short time later he met Barbara Haugen of Billings, MT. They were married on December 26, 1966 in Laurel and moved to Seattle, WA to start their careers. Their daughters Michelle and Amy were both born in Washington. They moved to Colorado Springs in 1971 shortly after Amy was born. This is where they raised their daughters and made lifelong friends.

Jim spent almost forty years in public accounting as a C.P.A working with different firms, with over twenty of those years at Hoelting and Company, where he was also a partner. Jim was a mentor to many along the way. He treasured long-term relationships with coworkers and clients over the years.

After retiring in 2007 Jim enjoyed spending more time with family and close friends. Some of his fondest memories were spending time with his grandchildren. He and Barb took some special trips over the years and spent several winters in Arizona where his brother and his wife lived part-time. He was a lifelong Montana Grizzlies fan and loved watching college basketball and the Denver Nuggets.

He is preceded in death by his parents Chuck and Adeline and his wife Barb of 58 years. He is survived by his two daughters Michelle (Jeff) Simmons and Amy Giblin, his two grandchildren Zoe and Jack, his brother Patrick (Sylvia) Giblin and his niece and nephew.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, especially for his smile and playful sense of humor. The family finds comfort knowing that he is reunited with Barb for eternity.

We would like to thank all his caregivers in the past few years including most recently the team at MorningStar, ElderLove Caregiving and Abode Hospice for lovingly caring for our dad.

A Funeral Mass will be held Monday, December 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, 6455 Brook Park Drive, with a reception luncheon following.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association in Jim's honor.