James Joseph Irwin, 91, of Tama, passed away Thursday, October 22, 2015 at Sunny Hill Care Center in Tama under the care of Hospice Compassus. A Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama with Deacon Joe Behounek officiating. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Toledo with Military Honors. Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 28, 2015 from 10-11 AM at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama.


James was born on March 19, 1924 in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Peter Clarence and Mary Josephine (Sweeney) Irwin. He graduated from North High School and Drake University both in Des Moines. James was united in marriage to Joan Ruth Croskey on January 31, 1951. He served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. James worked as a Technical Engineer for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company and retired in 1986 after thirty-six years of service. He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Tama. James was also a member of the American Legion, Lions Club, and SCORE - Counselors To America's Small Business. In his spare time, he enjoyed golf, hunting, skeet and trap shooting.
Survivors include his wife Joan of Tama; five children, Marcia Ann (Stephen L.) Smith of San Antonio, TX, Karen Sue Irwin of Denver, CO, William Joseph (Mayra) Irwin of Murrieta, CA, Cynthia Lee (James) Ficklin of San Antonio, TX, and Joseph Robert (Leslie) Irwin of San Antonio, TX; and four grandchildren, Regina Rene Smith, Emily Ruth Irwin, Peter Robert Irwin, and Mallory Claire Irwin.
Preceding him in death were his parents; and a sister, Regina Frances Irwin.

A memorial fund has been established.