James Bruce Irish Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

James Bruce Irish of Grand Ledge passed away November 25, 2017 after a courageous 2 year battle with cancer. He was born in Lansing, Michigan, at his Grandma Finnis’ house on Center Street on July 9, 1938. He was preceded in death by his parents Ward H. and Adeline Irish, Brother Stephen; Stephen’s wife Susan and special nephew, Jim Vermeersch. He graduated from Grand Ledge High School in 1956. He was hired into the apprenticeship program with McConnel’s Sheet Metal, got laid off and then in January 1957, he joined the Marine Corp with his friend, Dan Hankins. He fulfilled his obligation and was discharged February 1959. He hired into Fisher Body and later transferred to Oldsmobile where he retired in 1992 after 33 years of service. He met his wife to be, Carol Uschuk, the summer of 1959 and they were married May 15, 1961. Right up to the end he loved high school sports and MSU basketball and football. He was also active in the Grand Ledge Bullpen Club and Old Newsboys for 30 years, plus Jim and Carol delivered Meals on Wheels for 20 years. He was honored to be inducted into the GL Bullpen Hall of fame along with pillar of the community, Mr. Ron Richmond in 2015. He enjoyed yard work, his garden, fishing trips to Canada, their family cottage on Horsehead Lake, New Years Eve at Maguire’s cabin, playing no limit poker, and fast-pitch softball. Carol and Jim also enjoyed 25 winters on the Gulf in Alabama. His biggest satisfaction, even before he retired, was visiting men and women whom he felt had an impact on his life growing up and taking them to lunch or on road trips and to GL Baseball and football games when possible. This included an occasional trip to Preston’s for an adult beverage with a special friend, Stub. He also enjoyed taking Mr. Carl Wagner to St. Gerard mass on Saturday and out to dinner until Carl was placed in a retirement home. Jim truly enjoyed his family life. He is survived by his wife Carol; 3 children: Karen (Scott) Warriner, Mike, Keri (Lee) Chevalier; 6 grandchildren: Bryanna (Jake) Manning, Kristen (Austin) Goble, Jake Warriner, James Michael Irish, Sophie and Ava Chevalier and 2 great grandchildren, Louise and Theodore Manning. He always attended all the grandkid’s events including choir concerts, plays and sports. He is also survived by his remaining brothers and sisters; Jan Vermeersch, Kay (Erv) Star, Ward F. Irish, Michael (Pam) Irish, Fr. Robert Irish and Mary Jo (John) Thayer, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Jim always felt his 70 years living in Grand Ledge was the best thing he ever did because he could never find another town with so many special people. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, November 30, 2017, 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church, Grand Ledge. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4-8:00 p.m. at the Holihan-Atkin-Barclay Funeral Home, Grand Ledge and Thursday at the church from 10-11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be given to the Grand Ledge Bullpen Club, 13433 Wind Spirit Drive, Grand Ledge, Michigan 48837 or St. Michael Catholic Church, 345 Edwards Street, Grand Ledge, Michigan 48837.

James Bruce Irish

July 9, 1938 - November 25, 2017