James Thomas "Jim" Birkett

James "Jim" Thomas Birkett, 88, of Springfield, Illinois and formerly of Jacksonville, Illinois and West Liberty, Iowa, passed away at Meridian Village in Glen Carbon, Illinois on October 1, 2025. He was born on January 23, 1937, in Iowa City, Iowa, a son of the late James Vincent and Enez (Beach) Birkett. He married Patricia Meinert in 1960. They had three children. He later married Sandra Kay Spoor at Island Grove Methodist Church on November 5, 1982, and she passed away in 2015.

Jim grew up on the family farm four miles outside of West Liberty and he attended grades primary through 8th in a one room schoolhouse in Muscatine County. He was active in sports and FFA, serving one year as president. He received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Iowa State University where he also received a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. While in college, he was a member of Theta Chi fraternity, serving one year as president.

Following graduation, Jim was employed for three years by Iowa Electric Light and Power Company in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Following his first job out of college, he was active duty in the United States Army where he achieved the rank of Captain of Artillery. He served for seven years, including one year in Vietnam in 1968, and was awarded a Bronze Star for his service. He was later awarded the Army Commendation Medal. After separation from the Army in 1971, he continued service in the Active Reserves. Jim was employed by Central Illinois Public Service Company in Springfield, Illinois, and began his C.I.P.S. employment as a test engineer at the Meredosia Power Station. During his career at C.I.P.S., he advanced to the level of Vice President of Power Production and retired in 1999. Jim also earned a Master of Business Administration at the University of Illinois in Springfield. Jim was a member of the Episcopal Church and was also a 50-year member of Mt. Calvary Masonic Lodge in West Liberty, Iowa. He was an avid golfer for more than 50 years and later became a Harley enthusiast as he enjoyed riding through the countryside. Jim was also an Illinois Master Gardener.

He is survived by three children and their spouses, Lisa and Jeff Coyle of Glen Carbon, Illinois, Tom and Kathy Birkett of Lenexa, Kansas, and Jim and Michelle Birkett of Park Ridge, Illinois; seven grandchildren and their spouses, Matt and Emily Coyle, Ben and Lizzie Coyle, Sam Coyle, Abby Birkett, Ally and Ethan Wagner, Ana Birkett, and Jake Birkett; two great grandchildren, Charlotte "Charlie" Coyle and Calvin Coyle; other extended family and friends.

In addition to his beloved wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Richard.

In celebration of his life, a graveside service with full military honors will be held at the Oak Ridge Cemetery in West Liberty, Iowa at 11:00 am CDT on October 27, 2025. Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, or the Wounded Warrior Project.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.irwinchapel.com or at www.hendersonbarkerfuneralhome.com.