James D. Birkes, 83, of Sioux City, passed away on Wednesday, June 3, 2020. Service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery following services.  A visitation will begin one hour prior to service time at the funeral home on Tuesday.

Jim was born on May 29, 1937 in Salem, SD, son of Clyde and Rena (Lieske) Birkes. He was raised in the South Bottoms of Sioux City and attended Central High School. Jim joined the United States Army in 1954, stationed in the Panama Canal Zone, and was honorably discharged in 1957.  On January 7, 1961, Jim married his soul mate and love of his life, Judi Peters.

Jim worked as an Electrician Technician at Mid American Energy for 38 years. In his younger years, he boxed in the Jr. Golden Gloves and for the U.S. Army. He enjoyed playing fast pitch softball, bowling, and working in his yard. James also loved playing horseshoes with family and friends.

Those left behind to cherish Jim's memory: his wife of 59 years, Judi Birkes; children, Shelley (Bob) Erwin and Randy (Jackie) Birkes; grandchildren, Andy (Victoria) Erwin, Alex (Claire) Erwin, Samantha, Dustin, and Conner Birkes, Katlyn (Blaine) Lynch, and Evan Birkes; great grandchildren, Peyton, Aliera, Wylie, Scarlett, and Forest Erwin, Rose and Millicent Lynch; daugher-in-law, Annette Birkes; brother, Don (Jeanette) Birkes; and sister, Blanche "Sis" Kingsley.

Jim was preceded in death by his son, Jimmy Birkes; granddaughter, Rylee Erwin; great granddaughter, Avery Lynch; mother, Rena Friman; sister, Marianne Tieck; and brother, Clyde Birkes