It is with heavy hearts and cherished memories that we announce the passing of James Raymond Wirtjes of Sac City, Iowa. Jim passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family. He spent his final days quietly watching the birds, deer, and turkeys.
Jim was born on December 8, 1947, the son of Harold and Ruth Wirtjes. He graduated from Sac City High School in 1966. On July 1, 1966, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Linda (Lynn) Larson. To that union, three children were born, Michael, Julie, and Jenny.
After graduation, he worked at East Side Texaco and Nobles Manufacturing before starting his career of 40 years at the Iowa Department of Transportation, retiring in 2009. Jim was an active member of the First Baptist Church and more recently the Church of Christ. Jim’s faith was a significant part of his life.
Jim lived a life defined by hard work, deep family bonds, and an unwavering passion for the great outdoors. He was a lifelong outdoorsman who had a deep respect for nature and a passion for hunting and fishing that began in his youth. Whether he was tracking deer in the woods, calling turkeys, or spending quiet days fishing, Jim was always at peace when immersed in nature. He particularly enjoyed annual fishing trips with Lynn to Canada, where they spent long days on the lake talking and catching Northern and Walleye.
Beyond his outdoor pursuits, Jim was known for his integrity, honesty, and unbreakable family bond. Whether it be traveling with Lynn, visiting Julie and family in Le Mars or in Colorado with Jenny and her family. He was happiest when surrounded by the people he loved the most.
Jim leaves behind a legacy of cherished memories and a profound love of his family. He was a beloved husband, a devoted father, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Lynn; two children, Julie Lake (John Schwartz) & Jenny (Anthony); six grandchildren: Emily Lake (Mathew Ferris), Carter (Brittany) Lake, Carson Lake (Leif Sturgeon), Chandler, Chaypin, & Cayden, and one great-granddaughter, Olivia Lake; many extended family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his son, Michael J. Wirtjes; granddaughter Lyndsey Nicole Wirtjes; parents Harold & Ruth Wirtjes; brothers Larry (Rosanna) Wirtjes and Steve Wirtjes; and parents-in-law Merlyn and Ruby Larson.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on June 6, 2026, from 12:00-3:00 p.m. at the South Park shelter house in Sac City. There will be a short service beginning at 12:15 p.m. where memories will be shared. Family and friends are invited to attend and wear their favorite outdoor or casual attire.
“We grieve because we have loved. How lucky we are to have experienced that love.”
