Obituary of James Russell Hirt

James Russell "Jim" Hirt, 69, longtime resident of this area died Monday, September 3, 2012, at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, Iowa. A period of visitation will be held from 2 till 4 p.m. Sunday, September 9th. at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City. Family private graveside services with military honors will take place at Memory Gardens Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Jim's memory To City High School c/o Frank Bates Field Fund. Online condolences may be sent for his family through the web @www.gayandciha.com. James Russell Hirt was born March 20, 1943, in Iowa City the son of Russell R. and Helen M. (White) Hirt. He grew up on the family farm in Sharon Center until his teen years, and then moved to Iowa City, where he attended schools here, graduating from City High School in 1961. He enrolled at the University of Northern Iowa on a football scholarship where he was a student until being drafted to military service during the Vietnam War. Returning from the army he enrolled at the University of Iowa where he graduated. He worked as an accountant for a number of years working at the Iowa School for the Blind, and Aetna Insurance. Jim enjoyed life, in school he not only played football, he also wrestled, and in college he wrestled and excelled in the intramural programs at UNI. Jim like traveling, cheering on the Chicago Cubs and Iowa Hawkeyes, playing golf, and the casino. His family includes his brother, Steve of Iowa City; aunts, Carolyn Westfall and Janet White Cramer; and numerous cousins.