James (Jim) Yirsa, 64 of Naples, FL, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, May 31, 2009 at Naples Community Hospital, following complications from bypass surgery.

He was born November 8, 1944 to Irene (Auger) and John Yirsa, in Oak Park, IL. The family relocated to the Upper Peninsula in 1951, and Jim graduated from Gladstone Area High School in 1962. Jim served in the National Guard of Michigan and was an active member of the International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers for 40 years. Jim continued a family tradition of working as a mason, working many years side-by-side with his Father, whom he considered to be his “best friend”.

"Jim married Lois McIntyre in 1976.

Jim is survived by:

Mother, Irene Yirsa, wife, Lois

Children, Ann (Bryan) Nieciak, of Chicago, IL, Carrie Yirsa, of Naples, FL, Terri (Rob Rodgers) Dagenais, of Naples, FL, and Gary (Jackie) Dagenais, of Orlando, FL

Grandchildren, Jack, Bryan and Kyle Nieciak, Justin and Spencer Dagenais

Brother, John (Pat) Yirsa;

“Special” sisters/brothers Jean & Dave Koski of Escanaba, MI and Laverne & Mel Darrell of San Jose, CA

Aunts and Uncles, Alvy Oechslin, Naples, FL, Helen & Ray Nelson, Green Valley, AZ, Mary Maines, Kingsford, MI

Numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Some of Jim’s fondest memories include fishing with his late Father, John on “Yirsa Reef”, on Little Bay de Noc, MI., taking afternoon rides with the top down in his convertible, shelling in the ocean, devouring Sayklly’s Turtles and spending time with his dogs, Molly and Maggie, which he commonly referred to as “my girls”.

According to Jim’s wishes, no visitation or funeral service will be held.
Jim’s witty sense of humor and compassion for others will be sadly missed by his family and friends.