James Irwin

Irwin, James
Stoughton- James J. Irwin, age 70 of Stoughton , joined his Savior, surrounded by the love of his family and friends at Meriter Hospital in Madison on Saturday, August 6, 2011. He was born in Poughkeepsie , NY on August 23, 1940, the son of Joseph and Alice (Stafford) Irwin. He proudly served his country in the Navy on the USS Forrestal and USS Ranger. On October 1, 1983, he was united in marriage to Barbara Gardner at the United Methodist Church in Stoughton. Jim was a dedicated worker for Wisconsin Bell, Ameritech and SBC as a lineman and telephone installer/repairman for over 30 years. Since his retirement in 1994 he worked side by side with Barb in daycare, where he was fondly known as 'Papa Jim'. Jim was a loving father and grandfather, a great friend to many and a very special friend to Barb. Jim was active in the Jaycees, the Stoughton AFS and the SUMC Food Pantry. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking and traveling with 'The Dirty Dozen'. Jim had a great sense of humor and he was a good story teller which he claimed came from kissing the Blarney Stone while in Ireland. His consistently positive and welcoming presence will be missed by many. He is survived by his wife, Barb; children, Shellie Richards, Ron (Julie) Gardner, Stephanie (Terry) Wanninger; grandchildren, Austin and Chandler Richards, Jenna and Jack Gardner and Brady and Brock Wanninger; a sister-in-law; a brother-in-law, nieces and nephews; close friends, Fran and John Luther, Walt and Judy Olson, and Bill and Kathy Smith; special AFS children, Lars, Des and Babsi and special friends Dave and Ramiz. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Tom; sisters Jean and Betty; son Mark; and granddaughter, Danyelle.
A memorial service and celebration of Jim's life will be held on Saturday, August 13, 2011 at 11:00 am at St. Ann Catholic Church, 323 N. Van Buren, Stoughton, with Monsignor Gerard Healy officiating. Military Rites and a Luncheon at church will follow services. The family will greet friends at church on Saturday from 9:00 am until the time of service. Special thanks to Dr David Nelson, Dr. Douglas Kutz and Dr. Daniel Smith for their special care of Jim through out the years and the Doctors at Meriter Hospital, and to ER and ICU nurses including Joe, Diane, Damen, Thane, Jenny and Peggy. Memorials may be made to Second Harvest on behalf of the Stoughton United Methodist Church Food Pantry.
Cress Funeral and Cremation Service
206 W Prospect Ave Stoughton 608-873-9244
Please share your memories at www.CressFuneralService.com