• Jim Glabicky

Jim Glabicky, 52, of Jay passed away on August 22, 2017, surrounded by his loving family and friends. Jim was diagnosed with ALS in December 2015 and fought courageously without complaint against this life-altering disease. He went peacefully on his own terms at his home.

Jim was born and raised in Marblehead, Mass. After graduating from high school, he attended Roger Williams College and New York State Ranger School and then completed his BS at the University of Maine in Orono.

Jim then moved to Burlington, where he started #1 Pioneer landscaping, a business that he owned and operated for more than 20 years. Later, he started a second business, YaGirl Clothing Company, which offered outdoor work clothes for women. He hired local, paid his employees well and was proud of his product.

Jim was a avid lover of nature and so went further from Burlington in search of the best skiing and snowboarding. He found that, and his heart, in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont in the town of Jay. Here he purchased property and built his dream home overlooking "his mountain," Jay Peak. He spent his spring, summer and fall working hard at his landscaping business. He then spent his winters playing hard on "his mountain."

Jim also loved hiking, fishing, cross-country skiing and racing his 1969 Datsun Fair Lady Roadster in classic car races (and winning). Spending time with friends and family was also very important to Jim. He was known for his booming personality and voice and his illuminating smile.

Jim found a love he had never known before with the birth of his son, Olin. His life changed so much, in his words, "for the better." Jim was a loving, caring and incredibly fun father. He spent much of his free time on the floor, playing cars and drawing trucks. He also spent a lot of time reading books and sharing his love of nature with his son. He was heard, many times, saying to his friends, "He's the best!" He made it known to everyone how very much he loved his son.

Jim was predeceased by his brother Steven Patrick Glabicky; his mother, Patricia Cloran Glabicky; and his father, Bob Glabicky.

Jim leaves behind his son, Olin McKay, 6; and his girlfriend, Jo McKay. He also leaves behind his brother Skip and his wife, Luann; his sister Martha Fegan and her husband, Lew; his sister Claire Pappas and her husband, Bobby; his brother John and his wife, Kathy; brothers Nick, Dan, Andy and Mike Glabicky; and his stepmother, Janine Glabicky. Jim also leaves behind his many nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly and who inspired him to want children of his own.

The family would greatly appreciate any donations in Jim's name to be made to the ALS Association: web.alsa.org/goto/jimsracers2017.

At Jim's request, a celebration of life will be held at his home in Vermont on September 30 from noon to 8 p.m. All are welcome.