James Hirsch

March 21, 1945 - March 23, 2023

James “Jim” C. Hirsch, passed away March 23, 2023 at the age of 78. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, he is survived by his wife of 57 years, Maureen (O’Connell) Hirsch. Devoted and loving father of Keith Edward Hirsch and Kevin Michael Hirsch. Dear grandfather to Emily Hirsch Koster, Brendan “Bear” Hirsch, Bryson Hirsch, Coby Tyler Hirsch and great grandfather to Ryker Kennedy Koster. Dearest brother of the late Robert Hirsch, Richard Hirsch, Mary Ellen Kinealy and Joan Gawedzinski. Dear brother-in-law of Kathleen O’Connell and Ronald Gawedzinski. He also leaves many nephews, nieces, as well as great and great-great nephews and nieces, including his “adopted” family in Michigan, Ulaine Schram, Patti Chapman, Joanne and Gary Crocker and Lauri and Dave Freers. Jim will be missed by his beloved family and friends.

He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in St. Louis, Missouri in 1963. While attending college, he enlisted in the Air National Guard of Missouri and as a Reserve of the Air Force during the Vietnam War. He was employed by PPG Industries, Inc. for 18 years as a glass salesman and promoted to Regional Manager for the South Bend, Indiana area and transferred back to St. Louis. He was then asked to join a glass facility in Atlanta and then was transferred to Detroit where he retired. Throughout his career he was able to provide for his family, move his family to different cities in the U.S. while exposing his family to different places and experiences, which looking back was a gift.

He enjoyed playing golf, bowling, and pickle-ball. He loved grilling, and making breakfasts on the weekends. He especially enjoyed the Detroit Red Wings and he delighted in aggravating his nieces and nephews in St. Louis because they were avid St. Louis Blues Hockey fans. He had a fondness for German Shepherd dogs, especially Gus and his new friend Cooper, a Golden Retriever. He liked gardening and he had a keen interest in classic cars and attended the Woodward Dream Cruise every year. He especially enjoyed sitting on the deck in the summer with his martini and cigar. Those desiring may make a memorial contribution to New Day Foundation for Families Fighting Cancer, 245 Barclay Circle, Suite 300, Rochester Hills, MI 48307, or at foundationforfamilies.org in Jim’s name.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date at Calvary Cemetery in St. Louis, MO where Jim will be laid to rest. Arrangements are entrusted to McCabe Funeral Home.

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