James (Jim) Hubert Selbe, of El Paso Texas, passed away early Tuesday morning, June 15th of natural causes. Jim was born October 12, 1932 in Boomer, West Virginia. He and Betty M. Tegreene were married on April 30, 1955, and spent 30 happy, loving years together. Jim is survived by his three children, James H. Selbe and wife Debbie, Judy Selbe Meyer, and Beth Selbe Lasita and husband Tony, his four grandchildren, Brieann Meyer, Christina Selbe, Michael Selbe, Gianna Lasita, and his great grandchild, Grayson Hale.
Jim served in the Air Force from 1950-1954 as a Radio Intercept Analysis Specialist, having spent most of his time with the 6910th Security Group in Darmstadt, Germany. Upon his return, Jim applied, and was accepted, into the Border Patrol Academy in 1956. After 31 years of faithful service, Jim retired in 1987. His last assignments included Deputy Chief, McAllen district and Associate Deputy Chief, and Agent in Charge of the U.S. Border Patrol anti-smuggling unit in El Paso.
Following retirement Jim became a staple at Cielo Vista Golf Club (Lone Star) where he joined his posse daily for 5:30 a.m. coffee and his favorite chorizo and egg taco. Jim always filled the room with laughter, sharing his stories in that Jim Selbe fashion his friends and family loved. Along with his wife Betty and a group of fun-loving friends, they joined a Dallas Cowboys fans club, gathering for games filled with food, laughter, and great friendships. Jim and Betty relocated numerous times while serving for the Border Patrol and developed lifelong friendships at every stop.
In 1994, Jim’s wife Betty was diagnosed with Scleroderma, a life limiting autoimmune disease. Jim spent 15 years caring for Betty and was by her side until she passed in 2009.
Jim’s friends and family describe him as wise, funny, tough, confident, a traditionalist, jokester, well read, admirable, a natural leader, and dedicated to everything he did. He loved racing cars, boats, hunting, woodworking and was especially fond of winning.
Jim, along with other retired Border Patrol friends, were instrumental in the development of the Border Patrol Museum located in El Paso which was recently
named a National Museum. In his memory, donations can be made at https://www.borderpatrolmuseum.com/make-a-donation/.
