Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
James Irwin Obituary
Chandler -
VADM James "Jim" Irwin 88, of Chandler, Arizona passed away at home on March 21, 2018. He was born in Des Moines, Iowa to Margaret and Clarence Irwin. He served 42 years with the United States Coast Guard. He retired to Preston, Connecticut for many years of happiness. In 2008 he moved to Arizona to be closer to family. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, LaVerne G. Irwin, as well as children Terri (Wayne), Matthew (Amanda), Peter, Kathie (Dale), and Julie. Jim is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held on March 26, 2018 at St. Andrews Catholic Church, 3450 W. Ray Rd., Chandler, AZ 85226 with Rosary recited at 10:30 am followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am. Burial with honors will be held in the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85020 on March 29, 2018 at 11:00 am. Condolences may be made at www.qohcfh.org. Arrangements entrusted to Queen of Heaven Catholic Funeral Home, 1562 E. Baseline Rd. Mesa, AZ 85204.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jonathan Sweitzer
April 6, 2020
Dear Mrs Irwin,
I was just wondering about The Admiral and began to google. I'm two years late in sending this condolence. My apology. I was the Admiral"s driver while at the Presidential Honor Guard U.S. Coast Guard, 1986-1987. It was an honor to be his driver and have fond memories of that assignment.
Chris Blasser
May 7, 2018
Dear LaVerne and Family,
I just found out about Jim's passing and I am so sorry to hear of this. You and Jim were always so kind to Ed and I - I remember you so well from our time at the Academy. Jim was always a kind and gentle person who supported his team. My thanks to Jim and his family for serving this country so well. He will always be remembered by many.
My thoughts are with you.
Love,
Chris Blasser
Paul Welling
March 28, 2018
Dear LaVerne,
We were so sorry to hear that Jim had died. He was instrumental during my career, from intervening in my spotty cadet career, and then during my 35 years of active service.
Admiral Irwin was a beacon for me, a man of deep faith with the interests of others foremost in his mind, and always evidencing the highest moral standards. It was an honor for me to serve closely with him several times, to watch and learn at his elbow. He was the greatest of Coast Guard Leaders whose example was a formative force in the lives of those with whom he worked.
Sheila joins me in sending love to you and your children. We will keep you all in our prayers,
Paul Welling
VADM, USCG(Ret.)
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
ds
March 27, 2018
My sincere sympathies to the Irwin Family. May God the Hearer of Prayer bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time-Isaiah 65:17
Deese Thompson
March 26, 2018
With deepest sympathy and prayers for LaVerne and all the Irwin Family. He will be remembered as an outstanding Coast Guard officer, leading by example, and a true gentleman to all who passed his way. It was really good knowing him. Rest in Peace, Jim.
March 26, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Russ and Miriam Maine
March 25, 2018
LaVerne, I,m sorry to hear about Jim's passing. He leaves behind many fond memories for me. Please accept my condolences. Mitch Suzich
Joe Kacmarynski
March 25, 2018
Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Peace Time Awards
Service: Coast Guard
Rank: Vice Admiral
GENERAL ORDERS:
CITATION:
SYNOPSIS: Vice Admiral James Clarence Irwin, United States Coast Guard, was awarded the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, culminating as Vice Commandant of the United States Coast Guard from 1986 to 1988. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Vice Admiral Irwin culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.
Lc
March 24, 2018
My heart goes out to you for your deep loss. May you find comfort in prayer and in one another. Jeremiah 29:12,13.
Linda Mc
March 24, 2018
May the fond memories of your loved one sustain family at this time. May you also receive comfort from what is stated at 1 Peter 5:6,7.
Julie Irwin-Spicka
March 23, 2018
I love you Daddy! You will forever be in my heart and thoughts. Thank you for being such an incredible father and example. I miss you.
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
1562 E. Baseline Road, Mesa, AZ 85204
Make a Donation
in James Irwin's name
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Irwin's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
