Jim Kirsch
James Calvin Kirsch was born in Portland on June 29, 1924, the son of Gustav J. Kirsch and Rachel Helser. His mother, Rachel, is the daughter of Heinrich H. (born 1868) and Katherine Helser (born 1873) and a sibling of Hank, Morrie, and Roy Helser - all standout athletes.
Jim grew up in Northeast Portland with his two siblings, Don and Walt. He attended Highland Elementary and Jefferson High School, where he was senior class president and a member of the Portland Interscholastic League (PIL) championship football team. Jim was also selected for the PIL All-City team.
After graduation, he attended Yale University on a scholarship before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. He served as a 2nd Lieutenant, working as a navigator and bombardier.
After the war, Jim completed his bachelor's degree at the University of Oregon and played football.
Post college, Jim worked as a manager in the commercial construction industry for the next 45 years, often overseeing multi-million dollar projects. After retiring from the construction industry at age 70, Jim worked full-time at A-Boy Plumbing until his death on October 14, 2010, at age 86.
After graduation, he attended Yale University on a scholarship before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. He served as a 2nd Lieutenant, working as a navigator and bombardier.
After the war, Jim completed his bachelor's degree at the University of Oregon and played football.
Post college, Jim worked as a manager in the commercial construction industry for the next 45 years, often overseeing multi-million dollar projects. After retiring from the construction industry at age 70, Jim worked full-time at A-Boy Plumbing until his death on October 14, 2010, at age 86.
Sources
Obituary for James Calvin "Jim" Kirsch. Published in The Oregonian on November 28, 2010.
Last updated October 23, 2023