James W. Birch
November 18, 1941 ~ January 12, 2019
Born in: Meadville, Pennsylvania
MEADVILLE - James "Jim" W. Birch, Jr., 77 of Meadville, passed away peacefully at home with his wife by his side, Saturday, January 12, 2019. Born November 18, 1941 in Meadville, son of the late James W. Birch, Sr. and Amelia Ann Birch (Babe) Froelicher.
Jim proudly served in the United States Navy. He graduated from Meadville High School and Erie Barber School. He married Joyce Grove on September 1, 1962, she preceded him in death on October 23, 1996. Jim remarried Donna Trypus on August 20, 2007. He loved baseball and was an avid golfer with 13 holes-in-one. Jim was a retired barber. He broadcasted sports for 15 years and directed the Whispering Pines Junior Golf League for 30+ years.
Survivors include his wife Donna Birch of Meadville; his son-in-law Rich Kerstetter; his grandson Tyler Kerstetter and granddaughter Tonya Kerstetter all of Fountain, FL; two nieces Jennifer K. Bowlin (Matthew) of VA; and Sarrie S Edwards (Dale) of VA; stepson, Richard "Rich" Trypus, Jr. of Linesville and Stepdaughter Dana Osborne (Mark) of Ohio; step grandchildren, Richie Trypus (Heather) of Conneaut Lake; Robbie Trypus (Megan) of Erie; Kristin Osborn; Grand Osborn and Nathan Osborn all of Ohio; great grandchildren, Leah Trypus, of Conneaut Lake; Rhett Trypus, of Erie and Bryn Trypus of Conneaut Lake.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his first wife Joyce Birch; brother Charles "Chuck" Birch and his daughter Julie Anne Kerstetter.
Jim will be missed by his family and friends.
Per Jim's wishes there will be no services.
Family would like to thank the Crawford County V.A. and Hospice of Crawford County.
The Ryan M. Warren Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 544 Chestnut Street, Meadville, PA 16335, has been entrusted with the care of arrangements.
Please take a moment to share a memory or condolence with the family on Jim's Book of Memories at www.warrenfh.com
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So sorry to hear about Jim’s passing I have so many memories of our softball days . Jim was a great competitor he will certainly be missed.
Reading Jim’s obituary you failed to mention that he was one of the premier pitchers of the Sertoma softball league for many years
The the family of Jim Birch
We wanted to offer our sincere condolences to the family. We all knew Jim so well from the golf course and his love of the game. He helped start the Junior Golf League along with our dad, Frank Costa, and the time and energy those men spent with the kids was so admirable. They did if for the love of the game to watch kids succeed and grow fond of the game. His endless hours will always be appreciated and how he was forever on the golf course even if he was playing a round by himself. He was always such a gentleman. May he rest in Peace. Love, Shirley (Costa) and Bryan Callan, Guy Costa and Betty (Costa) Longo.
I am a first cousen of Jimmy living in Scottsdale Arizona and just found out about his death. I have found memories of times I spent in Meadville and Conneaut Lake in our youth. If I could have played golf like Jimmy.
I would like to make contact with Chuck Birch and Jimmy’ wife but have no information. Please contact me at 480-205-4730
Thank You
Fred & Gale Birch
Sorry to hear of the passing of Jim. He was very dedicated to many pursuits. I was surprised his obituary didn’t mention his very accomplished career as a pitcher in slow pitch softball. I played for several years with Jim in the late 70’s and early 80’s. Glad I was his team mate because he was a tough guy to hit against. I have very fond memories of that time, playing alongside Jim.
Sincerely,
Don Schmalzried