James T. Kirsch of Port Washington passed away Thursday September 17 2015 at Lawlis Family Hospice in Mequon. He was 82 years old. James was born July 2 1933 in Port Washington the son of Nicholas and Eleanor (nee Stieg) Kirsch. After high school he proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. On February 15 1958 he was united in marriage with Ruth Anna Vixmer at St. Mary's Catholic Church. The couple settled in town and started their family. For 45 years he worked as an inspector at Bolens retiring in 1998. James was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Port Washington. He had been a NRA member for over 40 years and could often be found reloading target ammo patiently trying to perfect his process. He was a handyman who enjoyed working on his house and cars as well as hunting. He and Ruth enjoyed casino trips where James liked to socialize with his brother-in-law Olaf while their wives gambled. James is survived by his wife Ruth of Port Washington and their children: Barbara (Jeff) Dulong of Saukville James Kirsch (Myleen Ziebell) of Port Washington Paul (Pam) Kirsch of Hartford CT Thomas Kirsch of Oshkosh and John (Dee Dee) Kirsch of Grand Marsh. He is further survived by 10 grandchildren 5 great-grandchildren sister Betty Haseley of Paw Paw MI brothers William (Judy) Kirsch of Port Washington and Dr. Robert (Ardys) Kirsch of Las Vegas. Also surviving are brothers-and-sisters-in-law: John (Arleen) Vixmer of Fond du Lac Dorothy (the late Olaf) Nielsen of Port Washington Rosie (John) DuBois of Grafton and Carol Peterson also of Port Washington nieces nephews other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by 1 grandson Jacob Kirsch brothers Alvin Richard Kirsch parents Nicholas and Eleanor Kirsch parents-in-law John and Clara Vixmer brother-in-law Clarence Vixmer and sisters-in-law Gladys (Harry) Riesch and Eleanor (Donald) Lauters. A Memorial Service with full military honors will be held at 1PM on Saturday September 26th at Eernisse Funeral Home 1600 W. Grand Ave. in Port Washington. The family will receive visitors at the funeral home on Saturday from 12 noon until services at 1PM. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association or the American Cancer Society.