James Michael Brennan

James Michael Brennan, 60, of Springfield, died on Friday, October 24, 2008 at Memorial Medical Center. Mike was born on August 8, 1948 in Springfield, the son of James William and Darlene Surbeck Brennan. He married Molly Oakey on April 24, 1981 in Springfield. Mike served with the Springfield Fire Department for 29 years, lobbied for the Associated Firefighters of Illinois (AFFI) for 29 years, and was Legislative Director of the Illinois Sheriffs Association for 10 years. He was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church, the Springfield Firefighters Local 37, Associated Firefighters of Illinois, Legislative Representative Emeritis of AFFI, and the Firefighters Lake Club. He enjoyed playing golf, but loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, and his many friends. Mike is preceded in death by his father. He is survived by his wife, Molly of Springfield; his children, Matthew of Springfield and Michael (wife, Kari) Brennan of Riverton, and Melissa (husband, Dave) Wilson of Riverton; his grandchildren, Michael and Megan Wilson, Tyler and Austin Brennan, and Karli Christine, and Emma Brennan; his mother, Darlene Brennan of Springfield; his sisters, Pamela (husband, Thomas) Maskey of Fairfax, VA and Patty (husband, Kenny) Kress of Springfield; in addition to several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Family will receive friends from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 5:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 245 N. Amos Ave., Springfield with Rev. Robert J. Jallas, celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.