James G. Irwin, 81, of Westfield passed away on Monday, August 24, 2026 at the Dunkirk Rehabiliation and Nursing Center. He was born on July 12, 1945 in Westfield, the son of the late Robert J. Irwin and Eula Mahala Fickle Irwin.
He attended Westfield Central School until March of his senior year, 1964, when he and a friend enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He often joked that he spent his senior class trip in southeast Asia. After a number of tours in Vietnam, Sergeant Irwin was transferred to Camp Lejeune, NC, where he was assigned as an aide-de-camp to General WM Westmorland, US MACV. He returned home to Westfield in 1968, not knowing that his body was contaminated with agent orange from Vietnam and the toxins from Camp Lejeune.
Jim went to work on the family commercial fishing boats, an iconic and traditional business landmark and history in Barcelona, Westfield fisheries. He also worked at the bowling alley and tended bar at the tap room. It was during this time that he began his affiliation with a newly formed VFW in Westfield, the WM. P. Jackway Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6764. When the VFW purchased their post building, Jim was there along with the fellow vets he loved and respected, building a home for all vets and their families. These guys invested their hearts and souls, muscle and time to turn it into the beloved and cherished institution that it is today. Jim was there for all of it. His second passion he called it. His first passion his family!
Jim is survived by his wife, Kit; and two children, Jay (Dawn) Irwin of Sherman and Julie Irwin of New Smyrna Beach, FL. His children were his pride and joy. They grew up in the VFW beside their Dad and their Grandpa and Grandma Blanchard, both officers, stewards and parents of their mom, Tina Blanchard.
Together, they made two really cool human beings. Thank you, Tina. Our son, Jay, has gifted Jim with three grandchildren, Jameson, Ava-Kay and Ry-Lea. They are on their way to becoming awesome Irwins, and also -- it's been good for Jim to see his grandkids growing up. Jameson has been especially supportive. He is a kind young man
Jim is also survived by Violet Irwin, Kris and Amanda Irwin, their children and grandchildren, Sally Switzer and her children and grandchildren. If any Irwin family members have been left out, apology is due. He is also survived by a host of awesome friends and memories, to name a few: Jim's best friends for years, Greg C., Steve L., P.C. and Skip. A few of these good men where there to meet him: Steve L., Nate S., Ed D. and Steve M., all missed by all who knew them. So many good people and memories.
In addition, to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Bob Irwin (also a marine) (Violet Irwin) and Dan Landon (Sally); his friend, Misscin; and the many fellow board members, veterans and associate family members who will all be there to greet him at the gates.
To all of us left behind we say, "I love you, Mr. Irwin, take care Jimbo and Semper Fi."
There will be no funeral. Please feel free to join us on Sunday, September 13 at 12:00 PM at VFW Post 6764 for Jim's Celebration of Life and Bills tailgate party!!
Arrangements are entrusted to the Morse Funeral Home, 19 East Main Street in Brocton. Online condolences may be made at www.morsefh.com.
