James E. Wirkes

James E. Wirkes, age 87, crossed his last finish line, surrounded by his loving family at Lakeshore Manor on Friday, September 8, 2023. He was born to the late Joseph and Cecelia (Haase) Wirkes on February 8, 1936, in Oshkosh, WI.

Jim joined the United States Marine Corps in 1954 after graduating from Oshkosh High School and served his country until 1957. He married the love of his life on May 17, 1958, and together they had three children. Jim worked for the United States Postal Service where he started as a mail carrier eventually working as a clerk at the window where he got to greet the public and make many friends throughout his career. After being told he was too old to run, Jim began training for Marathons at age 45. Jim won more races in his age groups then he lost. He ran 13 marathons total. (Chicago(4X), Boston(3X), Fox Cities(won Grand Master), Milwaukee, Twin Cities, and many other smaller races throughout the country.) Jim and Naomi enjoyed spending part of the winter months in Cape Coral, FL, meeting great friends from all over the country. Jim was very competitive and was a scratch bowler in city leagues. He was also an avid golfer making multiple holes-in-one. Jim enjoyed being outside, either watching the hummingbirds, working on his lawn, as well as tending to his apple and pear trees. Jim was the number one supporter of all his grandchildren’s extracurricular activities, never missing an event. He stepped into a coaching role for Special Olympics, coaching bowling, and track & field. Jim’s favorite activity was getting together with family and friends over a glass of wine and good conversation. Jim will be missed greatly by all his family and everyone who knew him.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Naomi; three children, Lori Wirkes, Carol Thomas, and John (Carri) Wirkes; grandchildren, Larry (Leanne) Seelow, Lucas (Carey) Seelow, Melinda (Braeden) Paffenroth, Katie (Steve) Vargas Matthew (Megan L.) Thomas, Erin Wirkes, and Megan E. Thomas; great-grandchildren, Lilahann, Bennett, Jameson, Harper, Saylor, as well as one great-grandchild on the way. Jim is further survived by his siblings, William “Bill” Wirkes, Donald “Donnie” (Dorothy) Wirkes, and Rosemarie (Norbert “Nubs”) Potter.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, John “Jack” Wirkes.

A memorial service for Jim will be held at Konrad-Behlman Funeral Homes-Westside (100 Lake Pointe Dr) on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at 4PM. A time of visitation will be held from 2PM until the time of service. A private burial will be held by the family at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the staff of Lakeshore Manor as well as St Croix Hospice for all their loving care they gave to Jim.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Alzheimer’s and Dementia related research.