James Wirt Jr., 81, of rural Burlington passed away Saturday, January 21, 2012 at his home.

Born November 27, 1930 in Burlington, he was the son of James Wirt Sr. and Vera Hillyard Wirt. On April 8, 1956, he married Lorraine Niebuhr at Zion United Church of Christ in Burlington.

Jim lived on the family farm his entire life. He retired from farming in 1992 but continued to help his son, Rick, haul grain until 2005. He graduated from Huron High School in 1950. He was drafted November 7, 1951, and took his basic training in Fort Breckenridge, Kentucky. He trained in "Heavy Weapons" and was "First Machine Gunner" on the front line in Korea. He was discharged July 7, 1953 at Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was a St. Louis Cardinal's fan and enjoyed going to the Burlington Bee's games. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and his family.

Survivors include his wife; two sons, Rick Allan (Sandy) Wirt of rural Burlington and Steven Wayne (Cindy) Wirt of Mediapolis; two daughters, Debra Sue Wirt of rural Burlington and Tamara Kae Wirt of Burlington; two sisters, Donna Schrader of rural Burlington and Betty (Bill) Foley of rural Mediapolis; three granddaughters, Michele (Colin) Gerst of Burlington, Jaci Wirt of St. Louis, Missouri, and Krista (Tony) Kempker of New London; one great granddaughter, Madison Paige Gerst; several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Allan; son-in-law, Larry and brother-in law, Bill Schrader.

Open Visitation will be from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 24th in Lunning Chapel. The family will not be present.

A private graveside funeral service and interment will be held in Burlington Memorial Park Cemetery. The Rev. Earlene Lekwa will officiate.

A memorial has been established for the Burlington Bees.
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