James (Jim) Yirsa, 64 of Naples, FL, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, May 31, 2009 at Naples Community Hospital, following complications from bypass surgery.
He was born November 8, 1944 to Irene (Auger) and John Yirsa, in Oak Park, IL. The family relocated to the Upper Peninsula in 1951, and Jim graduated from Gladstone Area High School in 1962. Jim served in the National Guard of Michigan and was an active member of the International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers for 40 years. Jim continued a family tradition of working as a mason, working many years side-by-side with his Father, whom he considered to be his
Anonymous
Uncle Jim,
Thank you for coming to visit the family in California. We all loved your company and so happy that you made it here. I will always remember the stone fireplace that you and Lois built in your house in Michigan….you were so proud of it, even though it was a long time ago…I still remember it like it was yesterday. You will be greatly missed by all that knew you, but you will be remembered in all of our hearts!
Jeanette Maurer
Modesto, CA
As the Dad of my best friend Jim had a lot of influence on us growing up. He was always genuine, hard working, smart and funny. I am glad to have known him…he helped make me a better person. He will be missed.
David Hansen & Family
Orlando, FL
Carrie, I am terribly sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. I can only imagine how difficult this time is for you, knowing that you and he were very close. I remember hearing you speak of him often in school, and how much you loved your Dad. I hope that the memories you have of your time together, bring you comfort during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Michelle Matter Casey
Millersburg, PA
Such fond memories we have of Jim. He comes to mind so often when viewing our fireplace that he built. All our sympathy to his family. We will keep you in our prayers
Cheryl and Mike Kobasic
Gladstone, MI
Lois & family,
I am just so glad that I came to Spencer’s birthday party and got to visit with Jim.Greg wishs he had been able to come. This life is so fragile and unpredictable, as we’ve learned.May you find comfort in your faith and family. I hope to see you at Gary’s again sometime soon,
In sympathy & prayer, Jenny & Greg
Jennifer Hansen
Sebastian, FL
There are very few people in this world that I respect and love more then Jim. He was always good to me and I will never forget him. God will welcome him home for sure.
Bret Moody
Escanaba, MI
Like his father, Jim was a “stand-up” guy
the kind of man you were proud to know.
He possessed an innate understanding of those around him. He found enjoyment in everything that he did, in his family, in his friends, in his life. Jim was a man?s man. There could be no better role model of how a man, a husband, a father should be. He was loved and admired by all who knew him.
He always made us laugh, his laughter was contagious
he had the most beautiful, charismatic smile with which he brightened every room he entered. He was a loving and faithful husband, father and grandfather. He adored his children and grandchildren.
An expert craftsman, he put his heart and soul into everything he built and it showed. His work was sought-after an admired.
He inspired us. He was strong. He worked hard and was proud of it. Sensitive and wise, he lived his life with integrity.
To those closest to him, he is the heart, the support, the pillar, the core. Men like James are few and far between. Lucky are we who were touched by his life, in so many wonderful, beautiful and individual ways, making each of us feel special and unique
He was the best father-in-law a girl could ever hope for.
How desperately he is missed
How deeply he is loved
Jim, your inspiration will live forever in our hearts, in our thoughts, in our words, and in our actions for generations to come. We love you
Jackie Dagenais
Orlando, FL
When a man like Jim Yirsa leaves us, we are in a vale of tears! Jim manifested God’s gift of love, to everyone he encountered. His wife Lois and children Gary, Terri and Carrie were especially blessed to have him, as were his family and friends. Such a “bigger than life” person leaves great loss to those left behind, but God gives them the strength each day to endure His plan of creation.
Mary (Charles) Snyder
Ford River, MI
First to my Mom:
Thank you. Thank you for knowing 34 years ago on that first date with James that you knew, you knew he was the one, the one to be your soul mate and to be a father and a mentor for your children.
To James:
I have had the honor to be your only son. Something no one else can take away from me. You guided me as a child, as a boy, as a young man and then as a man. I am thankful for your presence in my life and the things you taught me. You and I had a special relationship that only we knew. We became more than just a dad and son, we became best friends. I will miss you for now but I look forward to seeing you again.
I love you Dad.
Gary Dagenais
Orlando, FL
Dear Lois and Family,
Jim was a great guy and we always enjoyed his wit and humor at work. As a craftsman he was absolutely top notch and we really hated to see him leave the area for sunny Florida. I am especially fortunate to sit in my living room every night and admire his talented workmanship in my beautiful fireplace. It brings his memory to light and I can hear his voice and his laughter. At difficult times like this please know that your sorrow is shared by many who knew Jim and enjoyed his spirit. May God hold you up and comfort you in this time of need. Yes,…we will all miss him.
Dennis Ness
Gladstone, MI
Jim,
Last year (2008) when you and Lois visited use in California we all had such a great time. I held my breath that you wouldn’t change your minds on making the trip being it was the first time that you visited us here. The moments we shared will always be with us. The overnight trip to Reno gambling until we were all broke. Visiting San Francisco and then getting lost trying to make it to Napa. Just too many bridges didn’t know which one we were on. I recall all the laughter and jokes we shared.
Also, the many phone calls back to Naples talking to Carrie because of the Hurricane that was headed towards Naples. You kept Lois at ease so she could enjoy here time here.
We will miss the laughter and all the fun we’ve shared.
Love,
LaVerne and Mel Darrell
Sunnyvale, CA
I was sorry to hear of Jim’s demise.
Please accept my condolences.
Yvonne (Austin) White
Redwood City, CA
Jim, you always laughted when Lois was mad at somebody at work and she vented her frustrastion to you. That is one thing i will miss dearly of you. I will also miss you coming into the store to see Lois. You will always be loved.
Joanne Turk
Naples, FL
Lois,
Our dinner conversations over political views will be deeply missed with our loss. I know Jim loved us all to get fired up at the diner table to get you going. You are such a good sport with all of us kids. I will surly miss our sneaking just one more gin & tonic on the back lanai when you cut us off. His love for all of us will live forever in our hearts. We will all be there by your side now and forever. All my love Rob
Rob
Naples, FL
Our prayers and thoughts go out to your family. Although we haven’t seen Jim and Lois since they moved from Gladstone, we remember his great personality and sunny smile — A great mason too…
Gary and Kathy Maynard
Gladstone, MI
Lois, Irene & Family
We are so sorry to hear about Jim. He was a hard worker and a good friend with a a personality we will never forget. Our thoughts and prayers are with you’s all.
Ed & Linnea Lantagne & family
Escanaba, MI
Jim and I were GHS classmates; we grew up in the same neighborhood and we both enjoyed skiing at the Gladstone Ski Park [back in the days when it was on the Gladstone Golf Course property]. I can still see Jim’s smile and hear his laugh! He will indeed be missed a great deal by a great many. May God bless and comfort all.
~ Nick ~
Nick Montgomery
Vinton, IA
Dearest family of Jim.
Many years ago Jim did some stone work on our fireplace here in Esky due to some health problems of Cotton Nelson. We got to know him quite well as we did of his charm and personality. Years later I was fortunate to have some of your WONDERFUL children as I use to teach many of the math classes in the Gladstone School System. I wish to add my condolences and sympathy to all. Death is never an easy thing to accept BUT evem much more difficult when on of our very own loved ones is called home to the Lord. Seeing there are no services I send this note also with a hug to each and every member of the family.
Again my deepest sympathy!!!!!
Bob Mortel
Escanaba, MI
Lois and Family,
I was distressed to hear that Jim has passed away. He was so young! I remember the good times whenyou lived next door. The best words I have are:
‘Just to let you know I care and wish that I culd reach inside your heart to soothe the spot where tears are born.”
Hugs, Sam
Sandra Sundquist
Escanaba, MI
I am a former classmate of Jim’s and I can still see his smile and face saying Hi Judd He was just such a kind person He will be missed at the reunions I know my husband who he called Louie loved talking with him My deepest sympathy
Judy Vanlerberghe
Neenah, WI
Dad you were and always will be my best friend. You are the sweetest, most sincere and caring Father I could have ever asked for. I will cherish every moment we had together and will miss you more as each day passes.
Love Always and Forever, Carrie
Carrie Yirsa
Naples, FL
Lois,
I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I know he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He was a very nice classmate.
Jean (Eagle) Johnson
Gladstone, MI
Jerry yurka - Beatrice, NE
I went through basic training at Fort Leonard wood with James. I was just thinking of him and was wondering what happened to him and how he lived his life. Sorry I didn’t start my search earlier, I would of liked to sat down and talked with him. So sorry for your loss.