The Pyramid Society Mourns the Loss of Jim Sirbasku

March 30, 1939 - February 23, 2010

Jim Sirbasku, beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend and mentor, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010.

Jim was born 71 years ago in South St. Paul, Minn., to Carmella and James Sirbasku Sr. He attended South St. Paul High School where he ran track and played football. He received a BA from the University of Minnesota, and married his high school sweetheart, Judy, in June of 1959.They happily celebrated their golden wedding anniversary last summer surrounded by friends and family.

Jim and Judy's love affair and life-long devotion to the Egyptian Arabian horse began in the late 1970s when Judy began spending time visiting horses at the local fair grounds and was introduced to David and Marion Gardner. Judy quickly fell in love with Egyptian Arabian horses and, Jim, being an expert business man and entrepreneur, was intrigued by the horse industry. With Judy's passion for horses and Jim's expertise, the two set out on an adventure that would help shape the Arabian industry forever.  In the early 1980s Jim and Judy established their breeding program entitled Rock Creek Ranch. Judy's passion and efforts were directed towards the study of bloodlines and producing exceptional horses. Jim saw a different need in the breed and quickly developed a plan to help fulfill that need. At that time, he felt newcomers to Egyptians did not have an easily accessible source for information or individuals actively working to foster and develop their involvement. Jim's solution was the birth of Arabians Ltd. The purpose of Arabians Ltd. for over twenty years has been to "educate, service and support young breeders", explained Shawn Crews, General Manager of Arabians Ltd. Arabians Ltd. aided in the development of Egyptian breeding programs all over the world, as well as association with countless international champions, such as world-renowned stallion Thee Desperado (The Minstril x AK Amiri Asmarr).

Beyond their success in the Arabian horse world, Jim's successful business career included many years at SMI (Success Motivation International), where he served for more than 20 years as a distributor and business executive. He later founded Profiles International, a worldwide corporation, serving as CEO until his death. He co-authored the book 40 Strategies for Winning in Business, and received numerous awards including SMEI's prestigious Pinnacle Award for entrepreneurship and community growth, and the State Economic Round Table of Oklahoma's Will Roger's Award. He was inducted into the Sales Marketing Executives International Academy of Achievement's Sales and Marketing Hall of Fame in 2002. He was co-Chairman of the Texas Air Expo in 1986 and served on the Board of Directors at the Dwyer Group for many years.

One of America's most enthusiastic speakers, Jim has addressed hundreds of audiences in the U.S. and abroad. He was a spokesman for the free-enterprise system and a mentor to many who have gone on to start their own businesses.

An announcement from friends and family reads: "He brought out the best in all around him, as a motivator and supporter, and left everyone who met him better for having had the opportunity of knowing him. His smile was infectious and his hugs full of warmth and love."

Jim and Judy first became members of The Pyramid Society in 1983, and soon became Life Members and have actively supported The Society in every way imaginable over the past thirty years. Jim served on the Board of Directors of The Pyramid Society for eight years, as well as served on a number of committees. Arabians Ltd. has participated as sponsors for countless Egyptian Events, as well as bringing a strong contingency of show-ring winners. Jim was an extraordinary ambassador for The Pyramid Society and the Egyptian Arabian horse. The Pyramid Society and all those involved in the Arabian community mourn the loss of an inspiring breeder and life-long supporter.

A mass of Christian burial was held on Saturday, February 27, at St. Louis Catholic Church with the Msgr. Mark Deering as celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Reicher Catholic High School, 2101 North 23rd Street, Waco TX 76708-3397, to the PKD Foundation (www.pkdcure.org) to support research for polycystic kidney disease or Fuzzy Friends Rescue.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory in a "Memorial Guestbook" at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com.