A graduate of St. John's College HS, the 6-2 Giebel led the Cadets to the 1938 city title before signing with Georgetown that summer. Following a year on the freshman team, Giebel played for two seasons under Ripley, as the 1940-41 Hoyas went 16-4, the most wins to that date in the program's history.

With the onset of World War II, Giebel graduated a semester early to enlist and was married in 1942. While in the Army, he served as an officer with U.S. forces in India. Returning home, he enjoyed a long career in the Washington area with a local Pontiac dealership.

Married for 69 years, Jim Giebel passed away in 2013, and was survived by five children, 13 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.