James M. Sebby (IABE '51)
September 23, 1931 – August 23, 2015

James M. “Jim” Sebby (IABE ’85), a retired farmer and civic leader, entered the Chapter Eternal on Sunday, August 23, 2015 at Iowa Specialty Hospital in Belmond, IA.  He was 83 years old.

Sebby was born September 23, 1931 in Clarion to Joseph and Alice Sebby. He attended Holmes country school through 8th grade. He graduated from Clarion High School in 1949 and attended the University of Iowa, where he was a member of the Iowa Beta chapter of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon.  He was initiated into the fraternity on February 12, 1950 and received SAE badge number 79025.

He married Susan Cole of Eagle Grove on April 20, 1952 and enjoyed 63 years of married life. Jim farmed in Lake Township and was named Wright County Outstanding Young Farmer. He worked for Pioneer Seed Corn Company for 50 years. He also sold Real Estate.

He served in the National Guard and was a Wright County Supervisor. He was a Mason, a Za-Ga-Zig Shriner, a past President of Rotary, and a Paul Harris Fellowship recipient. He was a Boy Scout leader and an active member of the Holmes Christmas Club. In retirement, Jim and Sue moved to Twin Lakes and enjoyed lake living for 20 years and wintering in Fort Myers Beach, Florida.

Sebby enjoyed woodworking, carving, gardening, camping in the United States, Africa, and Russia, traveling around the world, coffee with the “boys” at Hardees, the Iowa Hawkeyes, SAE, and being with family and friends.

“On behalf of all Iowa Beta alumni, we send our most sincere condolences to the Sebby family,” said Marc Rosenow (IABE ’86), president of the Iowa Beta Alumni Association.  “By all accounts Brother Jim Sebby was a kind and decent man who loved his family and served his community.  He was a loyal brother of SAE and will be sorely missed.”

Sebby was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, brother-in-law Irwin Heitkamp and nephew Dean Heitkamp.  He is survived by his wife Sue, daughter Jayne, sons Steve (Danny) and Scott (Deb), grandchildren Leah and Grant, sister Rita, brother Joel (Carol), nephew and nieces.

“May the memory of his good deeds and the example of his noble life ever abide with us as a lasting heritage throughout all succeeding generations.”