Robert James Liebe

Robert James (Jim) Liebe, Jr., died peacefully in Orlando, Florida on December 23, 2022 at the age of 89. Jim was born on April 6, 1933 to Bob and Alice Liebe in St. Louis, Missouri, and graduated from Christian Brothers College High School in 1951. He went on to study business at St. Louis University, graduating in 1955. After graduation, Jim went into the family business, an on-field uniform garment decorating company founded by his father. His inquisitive and disruptive nature led to several cutting-edge advancements and innovations, reflected in the several patents that he held throughout the years. He was named the “Guru of the athletic lettering industry” by The Sporting News for being the first in the industry to apply team identifications without sewing. After nearly four decades at the helm, Jim retired thirty years ago, leaving the family business to his children. In 2023, this third generation of leadership will seek to shepherd his legacy through the centennial of the founding of R.J. Liebe Athletic Lettering. He met his wife Linda (Frank) Liebe in St. Louis and they married in February of 1965. Together they had five children, Robert James Liebe III (wife Christi and daughters Mary Jane and Molly Catherine), William Phillip Liebe (wife Emily and son William Augustus), Patricia Lawler Liebe (sons JT Starck and John Robert Starck), Catherine Elizabeth Liebe (husband Norman Dellheim and daughter Mabry Warner Dellheim) and Timothy Talbott Liebe (wife Tracy). An avid golfer, Jim’s competitive nature was surpassed only by his love of the 19th hole, if simply to linger a little longer in the convivial camaraderie of friends old and new. In certain circumstances, new words were fashioned to describe the experience of being captivated by his legendary and prolific story-telling. No stranger to making friends, such was his magnetism that even outsiders felt immediately welcomed into his cobbled together coterie of close companions. Jim also shared a passion for horses across several disciplines, ranging from thoroughbred racing to show events including hunter/jumper and cutting. His equestrian endeavors yielded significant results, with horses running and winning noteworthy races across eight states. At one point in time, the horn on his faithful Cadillac would announce his arrival, serenading listeners with the “Call to the Post.” Jim also founded the not-for-profit, Liebe Soccer Club, dedicated to “developing character through competition” in St. Louis. In 1986, the U-16 team competed for and won the prestigious D.J. Niotis Cup (now the US Youth Soccer Cup), the national championship for select soccer clubs. At its height, the Liebe Soccer Club fielded over 20 teams for both boys and girls across a range of age divisions. Several alums of the program continued on to play either collegiately or professionally. Jim truly left an indelible mark, as he touched countless lives through his warmth, generosity, and loving nature. His indomitable spirit never waned, and his passing leaves a void felt by friends and family both near and far. May his spark be reflected in the words and deeds of those whose lives he illuminated. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorial contributions be directed to: Academy of St. Louis, 505 St. Josephs Lane, Manchester, MO 63021. https://acadstl.org

Robert James Liebe

April 6, 1933 - December 23, 2022