James Leroy Birkel

James Leroy Birkel, age 77, passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early morning hours of March 12, 2022, in Burnet, Texas. Jim was on the road, doing what he loved, competing in a Cowboy Fast Draw Competition. He was greatly loved by all and will be deeply missed. Born January 6, 1945 in Columbus, Nebraska to Peter and Olivia Birkel, Jim was raised on the family farm just outside of David City in Butler County, Nebraska. He graduated from Aquinas High School, and furthered his education at University of Nebraska where he earned his Juris Doctorate in May 1969. While in college, he met and later married the love of his life, Kathy. He then went straight into serving his country in the United States Air Force. Jim served 7 years active duty in the JAG Corps, including a year at Osun Air Base in Korea during the Vietnam war. He followed his active duty with 22 years in the Air Force Reserves, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1997. After his active duty service, Jim practiced law as a partner in Egr & Birkel Attorneys law firm in David City for nearly three decades, including one term as Butler County Attorney. Upon retirement from his private practice, he relocated to A...[more]

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em, Arizona. Jim was always known for his deep respect for justice, his kindness towards others and for his humble walk with the Lord. (Micah 6:8) He was a faithful member of the St. Mary's Catholic Church in David City, Nebraska and the St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Catholic Church in Anthem, Arizona. Throughout his life, Jim was the biggest fan of his kids and grandkids as they competed in a variety of sports. As an avid outdoorsman, Jim enjoyed hunting for deer, elk, and turkey, especially with his grandsons. After retirement, Jim found great joy in the sport of Cowboy Fast Draw, where he enjoyed competing in shooting events all around the country dressed in period apparel. He was a dedicated member of the local club Arizona Gunslingers, and loved the camaraderie of the fast draw sport. He was known near and far by his aliases, Everett Hitch and Alleluia Ruah. He was famous for saying "Bring me another shooter." He could often be found with Shady Mike on Shady Mountain practicing his draw and shooting for marbles. Jim is survived by his wife Kathy; daughter Christi Schverak and husband Jeff, grandchildren Rebecca and Justin; son Thomas Birkel and grandson James T. Birkel; daughter Kim Laird and husband Ben, grandchildren Isaiah, Micah, and Savannah. He is also survived by brothers Max Birkel and Bill Birkel. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Olivia Birkel; brother P. Michael Birkel, and sister Zita Hook. For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ks2FdaocWQQ Services will be held as follows: Open Casket Visitation Wednesday March 23, 2022 Family Prayer Service 6:30-7:00 pm Open Visitation from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Hansen Desert Hills Chapel 6500 E Bell Rd, Scottsdale AZ 85254 Mass of Christian Burial Thursday March 24, 2022 - 9:45 am St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Catholic Parish 2825 W Rose Canyon Circle Anthem, AZ 85086 Lunch/Reception to Follow Anthem Civic Center 3701 W Anthem Way, Anthem, AZ 85086 Committal Service with Military Honors Monday March 28, 2022 - 9:00 am Arrival no earlier than 8:45 am National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona 23029 N Cave Creek Rd Phoenix AZ In Loving Memory of James L. Birkel, flowers can be sent to the Hansen Chapel, 6500 E Bell Rd, Scottsdale AZ 85254 for the visitation and funeral service; or Donations can be made in memory of James L. Birkel to: Samaritan's Purse to support the Emergency Field Hospital in Lviv, Ukraine at https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/donate-online/?utm_source=Ggl&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=m_YGUK-B22V&utm_content=DonateSitelink&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6J2j-9nN9gIVshrnCh2-Ugy-EAAYASABEgIcxPD_BwE or Shoot for the Stars Scholarship Fund Mailing address: Shoot For The Stars 18013 South County Rd. 1357 Odessa, TX 79766-9434 https://www.cowboyfastdraw.com/index.php/9-products/48-shootforthestars