James J. Firsich, 93, of Connersville, died Monday, December 5, 2016, at Premier Healthcare in Connersville.
A Connersville native, James was born August 22, 1923, to Albert H. and Ida M. Dudley Firsich. In 1942, he graduated from Connersville High School and along with all of the males in his graduating class, he was drafted in to the U.S. Army the following year. James served three tours in Burma during WW II with the 1117th Military Police Company. His military decorations included the Asiatic-Pacific Theater medal with three bronze stars, the Victory Medal World War II and the Good Conduct Medal. Following his honorable discharge in 1946, James was employed at American Kitchens. He retired in 1985 from Ready Machine as a tool and die operator. On November 7, 1953, James was married at St. Michael’s Church in Brookville to the former Rita K. Rosfeld. He was a member of St. Gabriel Church and the Knights of Columbus. For many years he was a passionate member of the Knights of Columbus bowling team. James enjoyed collecting coins and was a sports fan. He also liked to fish and was an outdoorsman.
James is survived by his daughter and son-in-law: Karen A. Lingo and James of Connersville; three grandchildren and their spouses: Chris Dishong and Victoria of McAllen, Texas; Jennapher Lingo-VanGilder and Paul of Gilbert, Arizona; Nakyla Lingo and her significant other, Adam Green; three great-grandchildren: Evelyn Dishong, Piper VanGilder and Olivia Dishong; his brother: Leon Firsich and his wife, Nancy; his sister: Mary Ann Wilhelm and his sister-in-law: Martha Firsich, all of Connersville.
In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years who died September 27, 1996; and his siblings: Christina Wise, Delores Temple, Viola Spaulding, Barbara Wilson; Robert, Vince, William and Albert Jr. Firsich.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday at St. Gabriel Church with Rev. Dustin Boehm officiating. Interment will follow in Dale Cemetery with military honors by the Fayette County Veterans Council. Friends may visit at the church from 11:30 Saturday until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars or to the Knights of Columbus. For additional information and to send condolences or memories, go to www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com.