Mr. James “Jim” M. Irwin Jr. was born September 16, 1938 in Pitcairn, PA. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a B. S. Degree in Petroleum Engineering. He was awarded the Socony-Mobil scholarship, was a member of Sigma Tau, Sigma Gamma Epsilon, and the wrestling team.
Jim worked for 49 years in the petroleum and aerospace industries, the Texas Railroad Commission, and the Texas General Land Office. He was involved with work on the Gemini Spacecraft and the test launch of the USAF Minuteman III ICBM at Cape Kennedy, FL. Jim served on the board of Comal County CASA, ARCO Oil & Gas Co. CAP Committee, and the Tesoro Petroleum Credit Union Board. He was a member of the ARCO Dallas Area Speaker’s Bureau presenting arguments for U.S. energy independence in the early 1980’s.
Jim became a United States Marine in 1961 and earned the distinction of Platoon Honor Man, Battalion Honor Man, Leatherneck Dress Blues Award, Battalion Pugal Stick Champion, Expert Rifle Marksman, and was awarded the American Spirit of Honor Medal.
In 1999, Jim joined Kairos International Prison Ministry and volunteered for 18 years where he was blessed to share the love of Christ in 5 Texas prisons with nearly 1,000 men. He served the Kairos of Texas chapter as vice chair and later as chair. Donna baked thousands of cookies for the ministry and always sent him with blessings and support. Over the years, Jim mentored many “sons” of different ages, sizes and colors whom he dearly loved. His favorite Bible verse was II Timothy 2:2.
In 2014, Jim and Donna joined The Foundry United Methodist Church where he piloted the Ambassadors of Compassion program in the Cy-Fair school system. In 2019, Jim was awarded the CFISD Outstanding Mentor of the Year Award. He loved and valued his pastors, his church, his choir, and all the Saints serving there who continued to inspire him to press on to the mark of his upward call. He was blessed to be baptized in the Jordan River near where his savior was baptized.
His only regret was that he did not to have more time to spend with his precious grandchildren and his son, daughters, and spouse. He sought to express John 3:16 by his life as a witness of encouragement for his children and grandchildren. He looked forward to meeting the Lord Jesus face to face for a moment in eternity to thank Him for the Calvary and hear “well done, good and faithful servant”.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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