James Birchmier

James Louis Birchmier, 89, of Collins, passed away Thursday, March 11, 2021, at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines.

James was born October 21, 1931 in Des Moines, the son of Albert and Frances (Backoff) Birchmier. He graduated from Maxwell High School in 1950 and then joined the Army. He served during the Korean War from January 1953 to January 1955. After leaving the military he enrolled at Iowa State and earned his two year agriculture degree. James met and married the love of his life Mary Ida Martin on November 17, 1956. James and Mary were members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Colo. The couple settled down on a farm outside of Maxwell. James enjoyed raising crops, cattle and hogs. He was active in the local 4-H program serving as a leader of the Indian Creek Circle 4-H club. He was a member of the Story County Fair Board, Colo Coop Board and the Maxwell Community Center Board.

James is survived by his brother Dr. Lawrence (Ginie) Birchmier of Mitchellville; his son Mark (Marti) of Maxwell; his daughters Julie (Daren) Laffey of Runnells and Jean Birchmier of Maxwell; his grandchildren Adam, Ryan (Haley), Matt (Lauren), Chelsi and Brad; his great-grandchildren, Addison and Grayson and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary, his son Michael James Birchmier and his brothers Joe (Bonnie) and Albert Lee (Carol).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Colo or The Maxwell VFW.

The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at Mercy Hospital for the wonderful care of James.

Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, March 15, 2021, at Maxwell Area Community Center, 84 Main Street, Maxwell. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 16th, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1110 11th Street, Nevada, with burial to follow at St. James Cemetery in Colo with military honors. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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