James A. Kirsch
Mr. James A. Kirsch of Nashville, IL, formerly of Belleville, IL, departed this life at Friendship Manor Healthcare Center in Nashville, IL on Tuesday, November 29, 2022, at 8:04 A.M. He had attained the age of 81 years, 4 months and 20 days.
Mr. Kirsch was born in Belleville, IL on July 9, 1941, the son of Arthur Edward and Emma Helen (nee Habelrath) Kirsch. They have preceded him in death several years ago.
James was united in marriage to Karen Wilma Richardson on February 20, 1965, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Belleville, IL and she survives his passing, living in Nashville, IL.
From this union they had three wonderful children, Deborah Ann Harrison and her husband Richard of O’Fallon, IL, Pamela Kay Kellerman of St. Louis, MO and Michael James Kirsch and his wife Eleshia of Nashville, IL. In addition, there are five loving grandchildren, Jacob Harrison and wife Mattie of O’Fallon, IL, Bradley Harrison and fiancée Abby Brockmeyer of Raymond, IL, Alli Kellerman and special friend Josh Jacobsen of St. Louis, MO, Hayden Kellerman and fiancée Hailey Johnson and Austin Kirsch all of Nashville, IL. Loving great grandson, Emmitt Harrison of O’Fallon, IL. Also surviving is a sister-in-law, Catherine Richardson of Nashville, IL, formerly of Belleville, IL; other relations and friends.
James graduated from Belleville Township High School in 1959 and attended Belleville Junior College majoring in business and accounting. He was employed by Edgemont Bank in East St. Louis from 1961 until November 1963 when he was drafted into the United States Army as a military policeman stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. In November 1965, he was discharged and returned to Edgemont Bank as a teller. In the summer of 1975, James and his family moved to Nashville, IL where he accepted a position of Secretary-Treasurer of Nashville Savings and Loan Association, now known as Nashville Savings Bank, later becoming a member of the Board of Directors and Manager. He retired in April 2005, compiling a banking career of over 42 years.
James and his wife became faithful members of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Nashville, IL, where James joined the church choir as he enjoyed singing very much. He also served several Terms as Deacon on the church council.
James was also an avid train enthusiast going back to the “Iron Horse” steamer days. He and his son Michael built an HO gauge model train layout in James’ basement 30 years ago. They also enjoyed taking videos and pictures of real trains at several locations in Illinois and Missouri. James’ grandson, Austin (Michael’s son) now is “hooked” on trains.
James and his wife also enjoyed attending their grandchildren’s activities whether it being in sports, band, etc. as much as possible.
Per the wishes of James and his family, cremation will be performed. A memorial service will be held at the Campagna Funeral Home in Nashville, IL on Monday, December 5, 2022 at 11 A.M. with Pastor Beverly Kahle officiating. Interment of Ashes will follow in the St. Paul’s Cemetery.
Friends may call at the Campagna Funeral Home in Nashville, IL on Monday from 9 A.M. until the service hour.
Should friends desire, memorials can be made to the St. Paul United Church of Christ, Nashville, IL and will be accepted by the Campagna Funeral Home.
Online expressions of sympathy can be made at www.campagnafuneralhomes.com.
