Long Time Leader, Former CCFB President Passes
Mr. James “Jim” Goebbert, 94, passed away on June 17, 2023. He served as a leader and Cook County Farm Bureau Board member for 30 years from 1974 – 2004. He served as secretary/treasurer of the board and served as the organization’s president from 1979 – 1984. He also was a founding Board member for the Cook County Farm Bureau Foundation in 1997.
During his board tenure, Goebbert helped lead local efforts on putting in place a statewide sales tax exemption on ag machinery, permitting the Cook County farmland assessment process, financial stability for small County Farm Bureaus in Illinois, greater service to associate members of the organization, expansion of Ag in the Classroom locally and more.
Jim and his wife Esther farmed in northern Cook County in the South Barrington and Arlington Heights area for many years. In the early 70s, they established Goebbert’s Pumpkin Farm as a destination for many urban and suburban consumers. In 1985, they expanded to a second location in Kane County.
In a December 2004 article in the Co-Operator, Goebbert said, “Being involved in Farm Bureau and the Marines were two of the best things that shaped my learning experiences”.
Our thoughts go out to Esther and the Goebbert family.
