James Dean Tschirgi

1925 - 2016

Tschirgi, James Dean
Feb. 23, 1925 - Jul. 4, 2016
James D. Tschirgi, "Jim," 91, died peacefully in his home in Sarasota, Florida on July 4, 2016. Jim was in his 66th year of marriage to the love of his life, Marilyn, who was at his side at the end. He was born February 23, 1925 in Sheridan, Wyoming. In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by his brother, Harvey Tschirgi of Dublin Ohio. He is the father of seven children: Laurel (Mark) of Winchester, VA; Scot (Marolyn) of Salem, OR; Trent (Anne) of Sorrento, British Columbia; Bart of Lubbock, TX; Vali (Adam) of Washington DC; Clark of Watauga, TX; Glen of Ellicott City, MD. He is also the grandfather to twelve grandchildren: Mathew, Natali, Rollin, Cy, Cosmo, Laura, Ben, Paul, Alyssa, Mark, Ashley, and Andy, and two great grandchildren.
Jim was a deeply spiritual man who used his many talents in service to his country, community, and family. He served in the Army in WWII, stationed in India. His Army Reserve unit was called to active duty in Korea and the Berlin Crisis. He retired from the Army Reserve as a Lieutenant Colonel. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in 1961. He worked 32 years for the federal government in the Bureau of Land Management, the Office of Management and Budget and the Veterans Administration. He was an active member of the churches in his communities: Vienna Presbyterian Church in Vienna, VA; First Presbyterian Church of Howard County, MD; First Presbyterian Church of Sarasota, FL.
After retirement, Jim expanded his artistic talents by learning watercolor painting. He pioneered a class called Watercolor Wednesday in Phillippi Estate Park, free of charge. He consolidated his class notes into a small book, which he wrote in both English and Spanish—reflecting a long effort to learn Spanish. He also taught in the Sarasota Art Center and the Senior Citizens Center. He helped found the Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society and taught their first classes at Manatee Art Center.
Jim was a universally kind and generous soul with a great love of nature, music, and his fellow man. Even during his illness, everyone who saw him remarked on his good nature and ever-present smile. He helped make this world a better place and will be greatly missed.
A private family memorial service will be held at a later date in Sarasota, FL, with burial in Sarasota National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the charity of your choice in his name.
The family would like to express gratitude to Tidewell Hospice of Sarasota, FL, and Take Care Private Duty Home Health Care, and Parkinson Place in Sarasota, FL.