Alfred James Wirtjes was born November 11, 1932 south of Shannon, in Carroll County Illinois to Benard Harrison Wirtjes and Margaret Viola Henze. He died on October 5, 2021 following a short illness surrounded by his loving family in the home of his daughter.
Jim, as everyone called him, lived a full life. He was an American patriot, family man, dedicated farmer and cattleman, businessman, and avid traveler. He met the love of his life while attending Shannon High School. He graduated in 1950, and married Ardith Elaine Stoner on September 27, 1953. They were married for 68 years.
Shortly after they married, Jim answered the call of Uncle Sam and served in the 1st Armored Division of the US Army, from 1954-1956. He and Ardith built many close friendships in those years that continue to this day. He loved sharing stories from his military days which fascinated his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Jim was a dedicated father to his only daughter, Tammy. For years, they enjoyed attending club calf sales, raising and showing those calves at the county fairs and various livestock expositions. She was the light of his life.
Five grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren later, he would always tease and say, “How did I get a mess like this from just one kid?” He loved to take his grandchildren and great-grandchildren fishing and camping in Prairie Du Chein, and spent many happy nights playing board games in the camper.
For years, Jim farmed in rural Shannon. He would describe to his family how much he had always wanted to farm. One day, he had the opportunity to buy a farm if he could get the $5,000 down payment together. He would laugh as he recounted that he still has no idea where he came up with the money, but he was so glad he did! He farmed until 1977 when they moved to rural Freeport and raised Simmental Cattle. Jim took over the Wirtjes Insurance agency from his father in the early 1970’s. Over the next several decades, Jim and Ardith helped to insure families around the Shannon area. They acquired additional agencies, and Jim held several positions on Insurance Company boards. Each year, they would head to the National Insurance Convention, taking one of their grandchildren with them to experience their first plane ride. He retired in 2013 leaving the Agency in the capable hands of his Grandson.
He was a member of the Bethel United Methodist Church, Shannon American Legion, served on the Shannon School Board, the original Stephenson Area Career Center Board, Shannon Chamber of Commerce, was an avid bowler and lifelong Cubs fan. He was thrilled to finally see his Cubs win the World Series in 2016.
Jim and Ardith loved to travel; they travelled with groups to places like Spain, Mexico City, Acapulco, Switzerland, and multiple trips to Hawaii. They enjoyed cruising as well with several to the Caribbean, a Hawaiian Cruise and a cruise tour to Alaska! Jim was even able to make his ‘bucket list’ cruise through the Panama Canal. They also loved camping both in Wisconsin and later in Nevada and Arizona. They eventually purchased a house in Sun City, Arizona, where they spent many happy winters away from the Illinois snow!
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Ardith. He is also survived by his daughter Tammy Glendenning (Terry) of Davis Junction; five Grandchildren: Talitha Gardner (Philip), Lucas Glendenning (Alicia), Lance Glendenning (Abby), Telah Garwacki (Rob), Abigail Glendenning; fourteen great grandchildren: Eian, Natalie, Caleb, and James Gardner; Kyla Mischler (Josiah), Micah, Lianah, and Alayna Glendenning; Jared, Elijah, Ava, and Ellen Glendenning; and Scott and Morgan Garwacki; Ten nieces and nephews and their families; brother-in-law Tom Stoner (Evelyn) and special friends and neighbors, Mark and Eve McAloon.
Jim was preceded in death by both parents, his brother and wife Wayne and Barbara Wirtjes, his sister, Carol Nortridge, and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Kenneth and Evelyn Stoner.
Jim will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He lived a full life serving his country, working the ground, loving his family, building his business, and traveling the world!
The funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 11, 2021 at Hermann Funeral Home in Shannon at 11:00 a.m. There will be a visitation on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. also at the Funeral Home. Interment will take place at Brethren Cemetery in Shannon. A Memorial Fund has been established.
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