James Joseph Irwin

He and his beloved wife Ruth were married for 69 years and had six children, thirteen grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. The clan of 40 and growing is a beautiful legacy of love, hard work and fun. We will miss “the old man” deeply, but we’re happy that he joins God in His Eternal Kingdom.

Jim was born on January 23, 1934, and grew up in Columbus OH where he went to Aquinas College HS and The Ohio State University. He graduated in 1954 with a bachelors degree in business administration. His passion for the Buckeyes was unmatched. He then served two years in the United States Marine Corps.

He and Ruth married on September 1, 1956. Together, they began a journey that took them from Ohio to Iowa, Indiana, Minnesota, Georgia, California, Mississippi, and finally Texas.

He began working for the Hormel Company and spent 38 years “peddling meat” first as a salesman, then on to various upper management positions in a variety of locations for the company.

But raising six children occupied most of his and Mom’s time together and family was “first and last” on his list of life priorities. He shared his love for the outdoors with family and friends. He was known for giving fabulous tours of Yosemite National Park.

Jim was a faithful man and served his church communities wherever he was living. He achieved Fourth Degree recognition with the Knights of Columbus for his lifelong service to the organization and wore the beret and sword with honor. He was also involved with numerous other charitable organizations including the Boy Scouts of America, Meals on Wheels, schools and sports.

While we all have distinct memories of our time with Dad, one thing stands clear… love is the cornerstone to life challenges.

He was predeceased by father Joseph Allen Irwin, mother Viola Stein Irwin, sister Lenore Irwin Holmes, and daughter Jennifer Lynn Irwin. He leaves behind, his wife, Ruth; daughters, Theresa Irwin, Cindy Irwin Contrestano (Mark), Mary Irwin Coronado (Mark); sons, Joseph Irwin (Carolina), Michael Irwin (Dina); grandsons, Kevin Irwin, Cameron Contrestano, Austin Contrestano, Dillon Irwin, Hunter Coronado, William Coronado, Clay Coronado, Cody Coronado; granddaughters, Jennifer Irwin, Andrea Contrestano Lewis, Kelsey Irwin Ford, Hailey Irwin, Taylor Coronado Schiegg; great-grandchildren, Judah Contrestano, Noah Contrestano, Luke Irwin, Eleanor Irwin, Landon Schiegg, James Contrestano, and Graham Coronado.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Mission De La Espada, 10040 Espada Road, San Antonio, Tx 78214.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks your consideration of a memorial gift to either Mission San Francisco De La Espada https://missionsanfranciscodelaespada.org/make-a-donation or Meals on Wheels San Antonio https://www.mowsatx.org/make-donation