For over 60 years, Jim Hibbert quietly and consistently showed up for his community; mentoring and setting a positive example for thousands of kids over the years in the way that only a good coach can do.

On Tuesday night, the community showed up for Jim.

During a touching celebratory event, former players of all ages who were coached by Hibbert during his decades as the coach and leader of the Haven United Methodist Church basketball team flocked to East Providence City Hall to show their appreciation and tell stories about the impact he made on their lives through his kind leadership and steady presence.

“For so many youth, Jim was our first organized basketball coach growing up,” said Curtis Alves. “And when you do something for the first time, it can either be positive or negative. And Jim had such a positive influence on all our lives so that we could continue to love the game of basketball. I never remember him yelling at us. He taught us the values of showing up. Every week, every practice, I never remember Jim not being there. He was always there.”

Lenny Butler, another former player, told the crowd that the rule at Haven was each student needed to attend Sunday school at least twice a month, or they wouldn’t be eligible to play in games.

“A lot of Sunday mornings I didn’t feel like going, so I didn’t go,” Butler said. “Jim would always let me know, ‘Well you’ve only gone one day this month, so you need to go or you won’t play. Do you need a ride?’ And he’d come over with the Volkswagen and he’d bring you to church.”

Speakers talked consistently about Hibbert creating a welcoming environment for everyone and taking genuine interest in the lives of his players; the only pre-requisite being that you tried your best.

“I wasn’t the best basketball player. It wasn’t my sport, I was more of a baseball guy,” said Scott Erickson. “But you went to practice Wednesday night and you’d bust your ass and play hard. And that’s all Jim wanted you to do. Effort. Just try. And Jim would get you in a game. I want to thank you Jim, you’ve been there for 60 years of my life and I appreciate it.”

Importantly, Jim’s dedication wasn’t limited to young men either.

“I thought it was important for everyone to know that everybody played for Jim,” said Rickia Fonseca. “You don’t see that as much in today’s era. Someone with the dedication just to show up every single day. Not for an award so many years later, but just because you love your community. And it was like that. He loved every single one of us.”

Fonseca, who said she would go on to play college basketball, talked about how Hibbert would continue to track her career long after her Haven Church playing days.

“Every time I came back into town he’d say hey, and talk about the stats of the games. He just kept up. He really cared,” she said. “It really touched my heart. Jim was not only a great coach, he was a better role model. He was there for his players on and off the court.”

Frank Fogarty, Hibbert’s neighbor and friend who has refereed throughout the region for decades, including the church leagues where Haven United would play, said that Jim Hibbert was more deserving of the recognition that anyone.

“In the neighborhood there’s not many people that do. They say a lot, but they don’t do. Jim is a doer. I watched that firsthand,” he said. “Jim deserves this more than anything else because communities are based on people like him. They do. They don’t ask.”

Hibbert was given proclamations by Mayor Bob DaSilva and Senate President Val Lawson, and a key to the city from DaSilva. As he held up the ceremonial key to the audience — all standing and applauding as Hibbert became visibly emotional — it was hard to imagine a more appreciated trophy.