James E. "Jim" Hirsch

PALMYRA, Mo. -- James E. "Jim" Hirsch, 84, of Palmyra, died at 1:42 p.m. Saturday (July 23, 2011) at Blessing Hospital in Quincy.

Jim was born Jan. 7, 1927, in Steffenville, to Katheryn B. Hirsch. He married Carole Bailey Aug. 26, 1956, in Ewing.

Jim taught math and coached varsity sports at Ewing High School, Marion Co. R- I I Schools in Philadelphia, Mo., and Pittsfield High School, Pittsfield, Ill.

Jim graduated from Steffenville High School and Quincy College in 1951. After his high school graduation, he served 18 months in the U.S. Army in the field artillery division during World War II. He was an active member of Boots-Dickson Post 174 of the American Legion and served as a military honor guard for parades and funerals.

He was involved in hunter safety education programs in Illinois and Missouri and received numerous awards and commendations. He was a member of PASA and served many years as range officer at their shooting events. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Palmyra where he served as an usher and member of the choir. He was a board member of Palmyra Nutrition Center and a member of the NRA.

He enjoyed spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carole Bailey Hirsch; a daughter, Lisa (Wayne) Cast of Princeton; and grandchildren, Sarah and Ethan Cast of Princeton.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Katheryn Hirsch, and numerous uncles, aunts and cousins.

SERVICES: 10 a.m. Wednesday in the Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra. The Rev. David Johnson will officiate. Interment with military honors will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Palmyra. Casket bearers are Wayne Cast, Ethan Cast, Travis Keller, Chad Keller, Joe Schroeder and Floyd "Bud" Voepel. Honorary bearers are Jay Fohey, Max Schaefer and Michael J. Rothweiler.

VISITATION: 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel, Palmyra.

MEMORIALS: Palmyra Nutrition Center, Zion Lutheran Church flower fund or to the donor's choice.

ARRANGEMENTS: Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel, Palmyra.

WEBSITE: www.lewisbrothersfuneralchapel.com.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.whig.com.