James “Jim” Edwin Hirnisey

James “Jim” Edwin Hirnisey

1936-2024

James Edwin Hirnisey passed from this earth on April 17, 2024. His ancestors were German. Jim was born on March 22, 1936, to Edwin S. Hirnisey and Margaret Belle Lehman. Edwin’s father was in the Army Band during World War I. Jim’s dad insisted Jim take piano lessons by age six. By high school, he was playing drums in the Columbus High School Band. Jim’s younger brother, Robert, was born on April 28, 1938. Both parents and Robert (Bob) are deceased.

Jim wrote about coming to Oklahoma University in the 2021 Oral History Project. “After I returned from the service, I worked at Olmstead Air Force Base, and attended college at night. The University of Oklahoma sent two professionals to speak about their BLS program.” Jim thought he could complete college in 3 to 4 years. He applied and was accepted. He completed the program in 3 years and graduated. He enjoyed his time at OU and meeting people from all over the world. Leon Sigler opened in Oklahoma City, and he was hired and became their Human Resources for over 300 people. In the apartment building where he lived, he met Joan Wall.  She was a social worker from western Oklahoma (Sayre, OK). Jim started taking classes at night at Oklahoma City University and earned an MBA. He was hired by a company in Lewis, Kansas that manufactured farm equipment. Next, he worked for Bell Helicopter International. Iran had bought many helicopters from Bell and the company hired many people to assist the Iranians. Jim made 6 trips to Iran, and it was one of his favorite jobs. The company closed and Jim was hired by Kerr McGee and specialized in wage and salary issues.

OU had helped him, so Jim gave financially to support OU. These donations made him a member of the Quarter Century Club.

Jim and Joan were married on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1969.  A son, Justin Carl, was born while living in Texas. Justin is also an OU graduate and lives in Indiana.  He served several years as the head of the OU Alumni Group in Indianapolis.

Jim and Joan retired in 2002 and moved to a retirement community (Holiday Island) near Eureka Springs, AR. Jim was active in Elks and served as Exalted Ruler for a year. He also joined the Rotary. He was in a hiking group, became an excellent photographer and worked with a group trying to establish a local habitat. He also was a member of the Lincoln Highway Association and attended several of their annual conferences.

In later years, he would often say he had a good life. He loved and was loved by his wife. He was proud of his son Justin and glad Justin had a family. Having a grandson when you are in your eighties is special!

Many have helped to make the funeral honor his life. Jim was good about thanking his caregivers. His family thanks many for making the funeral services honor his life. The family says “Thank You, may God bless you.”

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 29, 2024, at Southern Hills Christian Church, 3207 S Blvd, Edmond, OK 73013, with interment to follow at Chapel Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation or a charity of your choice.