Jimmy D. Tibbs, 80, of Kennewick passed away Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at Kadlec Regional Medical Center. He fought a courageous 7-year battle with cancer. Jimmy was born to Rufus and Beulah Tibbs in Central City, Nebraska on September 26, 1930. He served in the US Navy for four years as a communication specialist. On September 1, 1965 Jimmy married the love of his life, Katie in Las Vegas. They lived in Los Angeles where he owned and operated a TV repair business. The couple spent their free time boating and water skiing with friends. In 1976 the Tibbs relocated from California to Kennewick, where Jim owned and operated Tri City Television. His friends lovingly referred to him as "TV Jim!" Jimmy loved to hunt and fly fish, and enjoyed trying his own flies. He was also a craftsman who built tables, birdhouses and a model train, which thrilled the little children who visited them. He is probably best known by his family and friends as an animal lover. He spent a good share of his retirement money feeding the ducks, geese, quail, and squirrels that knew where the food was! Katie and Jim were known to 'dog sit' for friends who were out of town. Jim patiently trained several of those dogs many new tricks, much to the amazement of the dogs' owners! He enjoyed gardening and yard work. His passion was sharing his excess produce form his large garden with family, friends, and neighbors. Jimmy was a hard worker who was ready and willing to help anyone in need. He had a great memory, possessed a good sense of humor, had his own opinions on everything, and never knew a stranger! Jim is survived by his wife Katie of Kennewick; daughter Susie Leonard Lambert of Kennewick; sister Edith Mae Oaks of Marysville, California; sister Barbara Dennis Earl of Gridley, California; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, 4 brothers, and 2 sisters. The family wishes to offer special thanks to Doctor Mario Chenal, as well as Gloria and Diana ARNP at Columbia Basin Hematology and Oncology Cancer Center for their loving support during Jim's illness over the past seven years. A military funeral service will be held at Mueller's Tri-Cities Funeral Home at 1401 S. Union St. in Kennewick on Monday, January 17 at 10:00 a.m. Refreshments will be served at Mueller's following the service. Viewing is scheduled for Sunday, January 16th from 3:00-6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Benton-Franklin Humane Society.