James F. Wirges

Born July 29, 1933 in Buffalo, he was the son of the late Franklin and Georgia (Scott) Wirges.

He graduated from South Park High School in 1950, and attended Canisius College. He was also a US Army Veteran, serving from 1953-55.

Prior to his retirement in 1988, Jim worked for the NYS Department of Transportation as a Civil Engineer for 37 years. He also worked as a private consultant for several years following his retirement.

A man of deep faith, he was an active communicant of Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church for over 50 years and could often be found serving the parish and parochial school in various ways. He was a member of the Celtics Club, the NYS Association of Transportation Engineers and the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club.

Jim was an avid fan of the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, and Detroit Tigers, but his first love was golf. He could be found each week at Cable Hollow for their Wednesday league, at Chautauqua for Thursday league, and in his later years he enjoyed playing with the Art Asquith Senior Golf Tour. He golfed all around the world in various locations, including Hawaii, Ireland, Mexico, Alaska and many other US states.

Jim was a bit of an athlete himself and ran for many years, participating in seven different marathons, and numerous other races. He loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, and took every opportunity to support and cheer for their teams. He was extremely proud and gladly shared stories of their achievements. Keeping his mind sharp, he played various card games and worked on puzzles including his daily Sudoku ritual with Betty Anne. During their 50-plus years of marriage, Jim and Betty Anne traveled frequently. They enjoyed several cruises, multiple road trips and made an epic cross-country road trip by car.

Jim is survived by his wife Elizabeth “Betty” (Fischer) Wirges, whom he married Sept. 16, 1972; four children, Donna Scott of Gainesville, FL, Daniel Wirges (Ericka Gowan) of Bemus Point, Joanne (Mark) Dean of Jamestown, and James (Carrie) Wirges of Playa del Carmen, Mexico; seven grandchildren, Michelle Dias, Joshua Scott, Danielle Briggs, Kaitlyn Melendez, Kyle Dean, Conner Dean, Georgia Wirges; and five great-grandchildren, Ayla, Eva, Abram and Asher Briggs, and Hunter Dias. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and long-time friends.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Rose (Jacuzzo) Wirges (deceased 1971), his parents, and his three brothers, Richard, Robert, and Thomas Wirges.

Friends and family will be received from 4-7 p.m. Friday, April 25, 2025 at Lind Funeral Home, 3805 W. Third St., Jamestown. Rev Paul Cygan will lead a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 26, 2025 in Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Jamestown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care, in care of TSSH, 20 W. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, NY 14750.

To leave a memory or condolence, please visit lindfuneralhome.com.