James (Jim Jim) Allen Diebel passed away at Trussville Sport Park on January 18, 2025, while enjoying a bike ride with his friends.  He was born on January 15, 1959, in Columbus, Ohio, to Robert Norman Diebel and Olinda Hausch Diebel.

The family moved to Richland, Washington, in 1959, where he grew up. Jim attended Jason Lee Elementary school, Chief Joseph Jr. High, and Richland High School (class of 1977).  He enjoyed camping, Boy Scouts, hunting, fishing, woodworking, and numerous sports including football, soccer, rugby, pole vaulting, softball, and ice hockey. He attended the University of Idaho, majoring in Construction and Project Management, graduating in 1982. He was always giving of himself to others in a positive, supporting, kind manner; coaching, teaching, and sharing his knowledge, time and help with family and friends, while striving to make the world a better place.  Jim did what he loved and loved what he did.

The dash between his birth and his death was a long legacy to be admired.

Jim was married to Julie Ann Marty Diebel from 1986-2005. Their son, Bryson James, was born on March 30, 2002, 12 weeks before his scheduled due date. His body was small and frail, but the essence of his tiny spirit touched us all. Bryson was called home by our Heavenly Father on April 3, 2002.

Jim was a very successful project manager and made his impact on every place he worked.  His career spanned across many companies and states: Rockwell Hanford Operations, Fluor Hanford Inc, Johnson Controls, CPR Group, Pinnacle One, Malcolm Pirnie, Cobra Roofing/Dept of Energy, Terracon and BRIX-AL.  Founding his company Diebs Designs LLC, was years in the making and a dream come true!

Jim visited Alabama in 2004 and quickly set his sights on moving there.  He was an avid supporter of UAB Softball and established many friends who would become family…all from following Holly Krzan’s outstanding collegiate softball career at UAB. He arrived in Alabama with a new outlook on life and was passionate about helping those around him! Jim loved woodworking, hiking, biking and taking in the beauty around him!

Jim is survived by his brother Richard E. Diebel (Noel Egert); nieces and nephews Jennifer Hanigan-Diebel (Nancy Goodloe), Lori Diebel (Larry Moore), Wesley Egert (Erin), Austin Egert (Johanna), Vivian Diebel, Nikolas Worrell, Tara Symons, Rachelle Deluna (Robert), 12 great nieces and nephews; and his faithful dog and companion, Gigi.

He was preceded in death by his parents, R. Norman and Olinda Hausch Diebel; sister, Linda Marie Worrell; infant son, Bryson James Diebel; and great nephew, Chandler Symons.

A special thank you to Jim’s Alabama friends who offered invaluable help and support: Marla, Maia and Luke Townsend; Glenn and Sandy Pate; Erik, Amanda, Ainsley, MaryClaire, and Willow Grimes; and Jerry and Cass Klimcak.

A combined Celebration of Life will be held in Richland, WA, for Jim and his mother, Olinda Diebel, on March 15, 2025, at 1:00pm, Central Church, 1124 Stevens Drive, Richland, WA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to:

UAB Softball Diamond Club – please note “In Memory of Jim Diebel”

https://uabsports.evenue.net/www/ev_uab/ss/ev/DonationEntry?donationCd=WSB&siteId=ev_uab&locale=en_US&linkID=uab

or mail a donation to:

Blazer Boosters, C/O Hayden Faust, Bartow Arena West Tower, 1720 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294