James (Jim) Garnett Irvin, August 18, 1932 – August 29th, 2023.
The only child of Wilbur and Jewel Irvin, born in Chalk Level, Missouri, Jim attended Short School in St. Clair County Missouri and high school in Lowry City where he met his future wife, Nadine Campbell. After graduating from high school Jim moved to Rock Springs, Wyoming briefly working as a signalman for the Union Pacific railroad. In 1952 Jim was drafted into the United States Navy, serving in the Korean Conflict as an Electrician 1st Class. While serving he volunteered for a top-secret mission, Operation Sunshine, soon to learn, aboard the U.S.S. Nautilus, America’s first nuclear powered submarine. Operation Sunshine was the first transpolar voyage from the Pacific to Atlantic, becoming the first ship in history to reach the North Pole. Jim was recognized in 1958 by being awarded the Presidential Unit Citation by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, the first ever awarded during peacetime. Jim remarked that he had gone from a one-room schoolhouse to shaking the hand of a president.
In 1953, Jim and Nadine were married and their son, Dennis was born in October 1956. After Jim was discharged from the Navy he worked a short time at a power plant in Nebraska, then in 1962 he enrolled at the University of Missouri where he received a degree in electrical engineering in 1967. Following receiving his degree in electrical engineering, Jim went to work for Kansas City Power and Light at the Montrose Station. Jim worked at Montrose until his retirement in 2002.
Jim served as Scout Master for Troop 435 while Dennis was in scouting. Jim was an active member of the Clinton Masonic Lodge #548, Golden Valley Shrine Club, Clinton Elks Lodge #1034 and American Legion Post #14. Jim took pleasure in participating in the Golden Minirods, performing in many local parades. Jim enjoyed playing cards with friends and when he was younger, working on the family farm in Lowry City. Jim also enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
Jim is survived by his wife Nadine of the home and son, Dennis Irvin (Adriana) of Springfield, MO.