Eight Bells: Jim Lubeck

James L. Lubeck

James L. “Jim” Lubeck died peacefully surrounded by loving family on Thursday, February 15, 2018 at the age of 87 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

A proud Wisconsin native, Jim’s very successful 40+-year sales career with the E.I. Du Pont De Nemours Company brought him to California where he met and married his wife, Myra (Stead) Lubeck with whom he shared 53 years of marriage. Jim’s work with DuPont would lead him to the east coast first to Marblehead, MA then onto Rumson, NY and finally Fairfield, CT.

In addition to being Commodore of Black Rock Yacht Club (Bridgeport, CT) in 1989, Commodore Lubeck was an avid sailor, a great leader and a wonderful husband and father. Many may recall that he pioneered what has become US Sailing’s Junior Big Boat Sailing series that is now active throughout the USA.

Black Rock Yacht Club was the cradle for that program, thanks to Commodore Lubeck’s pioneering efforts. In this flyer, you will see Jim’s hand in something very special that has become a mainstay in national youth sailing.

Jim had founded the program at BRYC and then with the help of other boat owner and other experienced members who were willing to take the chance and allow juniors to sail their boats, the program flourished.

Jim realized that juniors often tire of C420’s and singlehanded sailing at about the age of 15 unless they are on their way to becoming competitive sailors. The JBBS program made it possible to offer a larger social group to be a part of, learn some new skills in how to safely sail aboard a large boat and learn from experienced adults in a fun a challenging new way.

The program made it possible for interested juniors regardless of their skill level to enjoy sailing and learning as part of the group. Because of this program’s success, U.S. Sailing adopted it as their national model replicating it throughout the United States.

Jim will be remembered by his loving wife, Myra (Stead) Lubeck of Fairfield, CT, his sons Jonathan W. Lubeck (wife Sarah) and Christopher G. Lubeck (wife Karen) both of Marblehead, MA and his daughter, Kimberly (Lubeck) Spangler (husband David) of Fairfield, CT. as well as, his 6 cherished grandchildren: Tyler, Tucker, Cassidy and Peyton Lubeck, David and Harrison Spangler.

Details for visitation and the service … click here.
Complete obituary… click here.

Source: Lesko & Polke, Robert Smith (Commodore, Black Rock Yacht Club)