James Birge

James W. Birge, 73, of Decatur, IL, went to be with the Lord Jesus Christ at 10:50 p.m. Thursday, February 5, 2015, surrounded by his family. A Memorial service will be held 6:30 p.m. Thursday, February 12, at Life Foursquare Church with Pastor David Catron and grandson Pastor Justin Lightfoot officiating. Inurnment will be held at a later date at Ponting Cemetery, Stonington, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wounded Warriors Project or St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Jim was born July 2, 1941, in Decatur, son of Robert Charles Birge and Anna (Virden) Birge Camp. He married Rene` J. Rudow on October 3, 1959, in Jacksonville, IL. Jim was a member of Life Foursquare Church and a charter member of Answers in Genesis. He was a union electrician for 51 years, working out of I.B.E.W. Local 146 in Decatur. Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Rene` of Decatur; daughters Terri Morford and husband Guy of Decatur, IL and Sheri Lightfoot and husband Leslie of Normal, IL; son Michael Birge and wife Robin of Mt. Zion, IL; grandchildren Justin Lightfoot and wife Crystal, Shannon Brucker and husband Ben, Andrew Lightfoot and wife Kelly, Joshua Osborne and wife Hannah, Alex Birge and Paige Birge, Victoria Morford and Daniel Morford; great-grandchildren Samson, Meghan, Eli, Rene`e, Michael, Azrael and Selah; sisters Pat Malloy, Sandy Birge, both of Decatur, IL, Kay Burden and husband Larry of St. Mary's, OH. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Donald L. Camp and nephew Roby A. Malloy. Jim was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was greatly respected for his work ethics and moral standards. Jim loved to study God's word, fishing and attending family sporting events and activities. He was an avid Cardinal fan always trying to convince Cub fans to change teams. "
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