James (Jim) Floyd Rybolt

James (Jim) Floyd Rybolt, 76, of Ashland, MO, entered fully into the presence of the Lord on September 16, 2022 after a decade long battle with Lewybody dementia and Parkinsons, brought on by his exposure to agent orange, while selflessly serving his country during the Vietnam War.

Jim was born at his family home in Hartsburg, MO on February 17, 1946, to Floyd and Cleo (Nichols) Rybolt.

Jim graduated from Southern Boone County High School in 1964 and continued his education at the University of Missouri Columbia. He achieved a Masters in Education: Mathematics and Psychology.

Jim interrupted this time at college to serve his country as a combat air crewman in the Special Ops Naval Air Observation Squadron, VO-67, stationed in Thailand during Vietnam. This top secret mission was kept classified for over 40 years.

He met and married the love of his life, Jan, in San Diego, CA in 1969 while in the service. Together they resided in Escondido, CA, became members of Bethel Baptist Church where he became a Deacon of the church and taught youth Sunday school. There they raised their three children.

Jim enjoyed a fulfilling career journey in education. He taught calculus, math lab, computer lab, and coached wrestling at Escondido High School. During this time he worked on side projects including software analysis, and the Mathematics Unlimited Books project. He also worked on the development of educational software at the San Diego Office of Education in Linda Vista. Jim and his colleagues traveled to various conventions and even spent time with Steve Jobs in his garage.

After this, Jim returned to teaching at Escondido High School and, in 1990, he became the Curriculum Coordinator for Mathematics, Science, and Technology for the Mount Diablo School District.

Later, he spent time working at the Monterey County Office of Education in Salinas Valley and was a higher mathematics Instructor at Cal State Hayward.

Jim had an extraordinary mind and always kept busy doing something. He built his own Linux computer system. Anytime he got an idea, before there was the internet and YouTube, he would buy a book, learn how to do it, then create amazing works of art including wood working, crewel, needlepoint, counted cross stitch, stained glass, and gardening. He planted two different rose gardens for his wife so she would always have fresh roses.

Jim was also an avid supporter and coach of his kids sports including soccer and BMX racing.

Jim is survived by his wife, Jan and three children. Erin (Martin) Linn, Matt (Shay) Rybolt, and Sarah Rybolt. Five grandchildren, Jaelyn, Caimin, Ashton, Junie, and baby Matthew.

His brother, Tom (Cherrel) Rybolt, his sister, Ruthanne (Gary) Perkins, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his Father and Mother, Floyd and Cleo Rybolt.

We will always keep Jim’s words in our hearts….

It’s all about love. God’s love for us and our love for others and our love for our family.

It’s all about love.

He was a fantastic loving Father and Husband who always went out of his way to make sure his family was happy and knew they were deeply loved.

In lieu of flowers contributions are suggested to:

New Liberty Primitive Baptist Cemetery Fund OR

c/o Rybolt Family

Memorial Baptist Church, Columbia, MO