We are heartbroken to announce the passing of James B. Feibel
z’’l
, 85 on Saturday. Jim has provided a lifetime of service to the general and Jewish community.
He served as President of the Columbus Jewish Foundation, Board Chair of Jewish Family Services, and was founding President of Temple Beth Shalom. Jim also served on the Board of the Jewish Federation of Columbus, Wexner Heritage Village and the Victor Weinstein Shalom House for developmentally disabled adults. In 2004, Feibel earned the Ben M. Mandelkorn Award for distinguished service to the central Ohio Jewish community.
“Jim Feibel was an extraordinary leader who cared deeply about the community,” said Robert H. Schottenstein, Chair of the JewishColumbus Board. “He positively impacted so many people and organizations.”
Jim, a former Partner-in-Charge of the law firm Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff is a graduate of Columbus Academy, Yale University and Michigan Law School. Jim was respected for his service to the broader Columbus community; he sat on the boards of the Mt. Carmel Hospital Foundation and the Columbus Speech and Hearing Center. Jim and his wife Babette are also celebrated for being certified foster parents to more than 100 infants.
“Jim's dedication and lifelong service to our community is a shining example to us all,” said Joel Marcovitch, CEO of JewishColumbus. “His generosity knew no bounds. His legacy and memory will continue for generations to come.”
Jim received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Columbus Academy, was recognized for exceptional service and leadership by Temple Beth Shalom, received the Ohio State Bar Association "Pro Bono" Lawyer of the Year award and the City of Columbus Mayor's Community Volunteer Award. He additionally provided Special Counsel to Ohio Attorneys General Brown, Celebreeze and Fisher.
“He made the world a better place and we will all miss him,” Schottenstein said.
We extend condolences to Jim’s wife (of 62 years) Babette (Abel) Feibel, children Julie (Randal) Friedlander, Karen (James) Aronoff, Lauren (Bennett) Cohen, and Jonathan (Lori Ann) Feibel, 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, October 9 at Temple Beth Shalom, 5089 Johnstown Rd. New Albany. Burial will follow at Green Lawn Temple Beth Shalom section. Shiva will be observed at the home of Jonathan and Lori Ann Feibel on Tuesday and Thursday from 7:00-9:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jim's memory can be made to the James B. Feibel Memorial Fund at the Columbus Jewish Foundation, 1175 College Ave., Columbus, OH 43209 or online at
columbusjewishfoundation.org
.
1175 College Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43209
