James Paul Tschirhart

James Paul Tschirhart, of Naperville, Illinois, died peacefully surrounded by family on August 21, 2026, at age 96. Born in Ruth, Michigan, in 1929, Jim was a depression-era farmboy who struck out on his own at the age of 14. Through hard work and determination Jim did many different jobs over his early years, including farm-hand, deck-hand on a Great Lakes iron ore boat, road construction crew, and truck driver. Jim enjoyed playing football in high school at Harbor Beach High School. After graduating from high school, he served in the U.S. Air Force. Jim returned to Michigan and began a 50-year career as a barber and small business owner. Jim met Joyce, the love of his life, and they married in 1956. Even with the arrival of six children, Jim found time to be active in parish activities, Knights of Columbus, Lions Club, bowling leagues, flying as a private pilot, and deer hunting in northern Michigan. Over the years Jim and Joyce welcomed 11 grandchildren; their home was the center of many joyful family gatherings. Jim lost Joyce to cancer in 2006 after 50 years of marriage. He later married Lola “Jean” Francis, with whom he enjoyed many winters as “snow birds” in Fort Myers Beach, Florida. For the last four years of his life Jim lived near his son Bob and his daughter-in-law Jaci in Naperville, Illinois. Throughout his life, Jim’s kindness, intelligence, and wry humor endeared him to all who met him. Jim was the loving father of the late James (Jill) Tschirhart, Patricia (Thomas) Spangler, Robert (Jacalyn) Tschirhart, the late Mark Tschirhart, Philip Tschirhart, and John (Karen) Tschirhart; proud grandfather of James (Jislaine) Tschirhart, Nina (Tyler) Takahashi, Thomas (Ashley) Spangler, Emily (Peter) Tschirhart, Caroline (Criostoir) Sausler, Erin (Dan) Todus, Julia Tschirhart, Charles Tschirhart, Marideth Tschirhart, Forest Tschirhart, and Kalea Tschirhart; great-grandfather of Salem, Raya, Raven, Violet, and Thomas; and brother of Helen (deceased) , Robert (deceased), Josephine (deceased), Evelyn, Lawrence (deceased), Joseph (deceased), Alice (deceased), and Donald. Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 30 from 2 PM until 5 PM at Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home, 46401 Ann Arbor Road West (between Sheldon and Beck) Plymouth. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, August 31, lying in state from 10:30 AM until the Mass at 11 AM at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, 47650 North Territorial Road, Plymouth. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Angela Hospice (who cared for Joyce) at 14100 Newburgh Road, Livonia MI 48154, or to the charity of your choice. Entombment Glen Eden Memorial Park, Livonia. To share a memory, please use the share a memory tab on this webpage.

James Paul Tschirhart

November 20, 1929 - August 21, 2026