James Hirst

James K. Hirst, LTC US Army, age 84, died on Wednesday September 12, 2018. He was born on March 21, 1934 to parents Rheo L. and Marion E. (Massie) Hirst and was raised in Decatur, Michigan. He enjoyed playing basketball on the Decatur high school team. He attended Michigan State University where he graduated in 1956. He was involved in the Army ROTC program at MSU and shortly after graduation he was assigned to the Ingrandes Quartermaster Depot in France from 1956 to 1958. This is where he met and courted his wife Lynne M. Schellberg. Jim fondly repeated the story of how he ordered his long term friend Bob Foley to introduce him to Lynne on his birthday simply because Jim had one day of rank in the Army over his friend. Jim and Lynne were married at the First Presbyterian Church in Decatur on August 21, 1960. They resided in Okemos where they raised four daughters. Jim loved to take his family vacationing on various lakes in Michigan as he enjoyed swimming and fishing. Jim lived in his Okemos home for nearly 50 years. He served in the Army Reserve for many years, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Jim was preceded in death by his wife Lynne and brother Forrest. He is survived by his daughters Tara DeGeer, Kendalyn Murray, Suzanna Von Hurst and Ansara Piebenga, as well as 6 grandchildren, his sister Margaret Elliott and brothers Bob and Keith Hirst. Funeral services will be held on Saturday September 22, 2018 at 11 AM at the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 1730 E. Grand River Avenue, East Lansing, MI 48823. Visitation will take place from 10-11 AM. Burial with military honors will take place at Lakeside Cemetery in Decatur, MI around 2 PM. Online condolences may be expressed at www.greastlansing.com.