John Birsch Sr.

John M. Birsch Sr. VIRGINIA BEACH - John Millard "Jack" Birsch Sr. went to meet the Lord Jan. 4, 2011 at the age of 75. He graduated from Maury High School and attended Virginia Tech. In 1964, Jack founded Birsch Chemicals, which is now operated as Birsch Industries. He continued contributing to the company until his recent illness. He was predeceased by his father and mother, Gladstone and Kitty Birsch; his father-in-law, Everette Thurman; and his brother-in-law, Rodney Shields. Jack is survived by his wife of 53 years, Billie Jo; his children, John "Jay" Millard Birsch Jr., Katherine Ruth Marlin and partner Darlene Pierson and Bonnie Jo Birsch; and sister, Kay Birsch Shields. He will be greatly missed by his six grandchildren, Anne Tyler Birsch, Abbey Thurman Birsch, John Millard "Beau" Birsch III, Erik Owen Marlin, Joel Evan Marlin and Chelsea Caylyn Padgett. He is also survived by his great-granddaughter, Katelyn Anne Faby, mother-in-law Ruth Thurman; sister-in-law, Peggy Thurman Walls; and his nephews, Troy Shields, Scott and Heidi Shields, David and Diane Shields; and niece, Terri and David Midgett. Through the ministries of Young Life, Sought Out and the local church, Jack dedicated his life mentoring others to become strong people of faith. Because of his commitment to Jesus Christ, many lives were changed and paths forged to become strong leaders in their communities. There will be a celebration of his life at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8, at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Young Life of Virginia Beach, 580 Lynnhaven Parkway No. 104, Virginia Beach, VA 23452, Sought Out, P.O. Box 62019, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 or a charity of your choice. The family would like to thank Dr. R. Michael Camp, the medical staff at Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center, and the family and friends for their care and support. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.