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BORN
1936
DIED
2017
FUNERAL HOME
James Hirsch Obituary
Evansville, Ind.
James Edward Hirsch, 81, of Evansville, Ind., passed away Friday, August 18, 2017, surrounded by his loving friends and family.
Jim was born to the late Edward Hirsch and Catherine (Eberhard) Hirsch. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, in Daylight, Ind. He and his wife, Mary, were inducted into the Simon Bruté Society, in 2011. Jim retired from IBEW Local 16 after 42 years as a journeyman electrician.
Jim was a 1954 graduate of Memorial High School. From the 1950s through the 1970s Jim built and raced sprint cars. He was a member of the Hoosier Auto racing Club. He started his racing career at the Speedrome on North Green River Road as a youngster going from selling popcorn to later builder, owner and driver of sprint cars. He raced at the Tri-State Speedway in Haubstadt, Ind., where he was known as "Gentleman Jim," and other race tracks in Marion, Ill., and Benton, Ill., and Manzanita in Phoenix, Ariz.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary Rose (Padgett) Hirsch; children, Julie Hirsch, Daniel Hirsch (Susie), Rebecca (Hirsch) Walker and Andrew Hirsch (Susan); and grandchildren, Timothy, Anna, Sarah and Adam Hirsch.
Friends may visit Tuesday, August 22, 2017, from 2 to 8 p.m. at Ziemer Funeral Home East Chapel, 800 S. Hebron Ave. Evansville, Ind., where a memorial service will be at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, August 23, 2017, from 9 to 10 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, in Daylight, Ind. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10 a.m., with Father Chris Forler officiating. Burial will be at St. John's Cemetery Daylight, Ind..
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 101 NW 1st St. Evansville, IN 47708 or St. Vincent DePaul Food Bank, 809 N. Lafayette Ave. Evansville, IN 47711.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to all the staff at West River Health Campus (Legacy Unit and Skilled Care Unit) and River Pointe Health Campus Health Center for their loving care and compassion given to Jim and his family.
Condolences may be made online at www.ziemerfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Hirsch
Sponsored by Ziemer Funeral Home - East Chapel.
August 23, 2017
Dear Mary,
You were so caring and thoughtful with Jim. My sister and I enjoyed visiting with the two of you at West River. Our mother, Thelma Smith was his next door neighbor in 2012-13. We are thinking of you and will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Debbie LaGrange and Susie Loehrlein
Diane Koontz
August 22, 2017
Dan, Susie, Tim, and Anna, I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Dan's father. Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.
steven Steele
August 20, 2017
I was saddened to hear the news of Jim's passing. Mary I want you to know how much I enjoyed taking care of Jim and you and I having our talks. I miss them dearly and wish I could've made to see you both. You are in my thoughts and prayers, and I wish you well. Please take care of yourself,Jim would want you to now that he is home and in peace.
Ella Pierce
August 20, 2017
Mary and Family,
I was so sorry to read of Jim's passing this morning.
I was a housekeeper a few years ago at West River Health Campus and enjoyed talking to Jim and to you. You are a very special family to me. May God comfort you and give you strength and peace at this difficult time.
Ella Pierce
lisa glahn
August 20, 2017
Oh Jim where do i begin?? We have been in each others lives since your Dad was at Woodlands. Who knew i would see you and Mary again at West River. Thank you for letting me a part of your and your families lives. I learned so much from all of you. Mary you did good by Jim and I know your heart is breaking right now. Prayers that you family can come together at this time and celebrate a life lived well by Jim. Gentleman Jim he was! May your memories give you great comfort knowing he is in a better place now.
William Woods
August 20, 2017
"Gentleman" would be the correct term for the way I remember Jim. Always a smile and pleasant demeanor when I was around him. In a sport where emotions run high, Jim always seemed even tempered and pleasant. A fine ambassador for the sport.
Tamye Dardeen
August 19, 2017
The Hirsch Family is in my prayers.
I had the pleasure of spending time with Jim when I worked at West River on 3rd Shift. Even tho I am no longer there. His sense of humor and his endless stories of racing still make me smile. I was blessed to of known him.
RIP JIM
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Memorial Events
for James Hirsch
Aug
22
Visitation
2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Ziemer Funeral Home - East Chapel800 S HEBRON AVE, Evansville, IN 47714-4075
Aug
22
Memorial service
7:00 p.m.
Ziemer Funeral Home - East Chapel800 S HEBRON AVE, Evansville, IN 47714-4075
Funeral services provided by:
Ziemer Funeral Home - East Chapel800 S HEBRON AVE, Evansville, IN 47714-4075
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