Jimmy S. Birch, 81, of Ash Grove, MO, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 15th 2023 at 3:50 am in his home.

He was born October 18, 1941 to J. W. and Nina (Smith) Birch.

Jimmy was a 1959 graduate of Ash Grove High School, and after two years at Drury College, Springfield, MO, he transferred to the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science, graduating in 1962.  After graduation, he served his internship at Sheil Funeral Home, Kansas City, MO before returning to Ash Grove to join his father as owner of Birch Funeral Homes (Ash Grove & Everton, MO). During his career as a mortician, he served as Past President of District 9 of the Missouri Funeral Directors and Embalmers Association, and was a member of the National Funeral Director's Association. He also served on the mortuary team at the Hardin Cemetery disaster of 1993.

From 1967-1968, he served in the US Army in Vietnam. In that time, he was in the 1st Squadron, 1st Armored Cavalry, G Troop of the 11th Armored Cavalry, and E Troop, 1st Cavalry, 11th Light Infantry Brigade. In these assignments, Jimmy was a tank driver, armored personnel carrier driver, and a machine gunner. After returning home, he served as Commander of both the local VFW Post and the American Legion Post.

Jimmy took pride in his Masonic work. He was a Past Master of Ash Grove Lodge #100, earning the Grand Lodge Achievement Award. He was a Past Patron of Russell Chapter #109, O.E.S., as well as a member of the York Rite Chapter, Council, and Commandery.

He was active in his Ash Grove community, over the years being part of the police department, fire department, zoning commission, and industrial development committee. Jimmy also was active in the Ash Grove United Methodist Presbyterian Church as an Elder and past board chairman.

Jimmy and Linda Tarcza were united in marriage on October 26, 1963 and shared 58 loving years together until her death in 2021.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents and beloved wife, Linda. He is survived by daughter Jennifer Lewis and husband Michael of Jefferson City, MO; son, James-Michael and wife Christy of Lee's Summit, MO; brother John and wife Shirley of Weatherby Lake, MO; four grandchildren: Julia Birch of Lee's Summit, MO; Sean Lewis of Jefferson City, MO, Randy Birch of Warrensburg, MO and Addie Lewis of Jefferson City, MO; other extended family and many friends and colleagues.

Services will be held Wednesday, July 19th at 10:00 at the Ash Grove United Methodist Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Joe Crews officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Ash Grove Cemetery.  Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 18 from 6:30 to 7:30 in Wilson Griffin Funeral Home Ash Grove with Masonic Services at 7:30. Services are being entrusted to our friends and colleagues Kasey and Rachel Griffin of Wilson-Griffin Funeral Homes.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Ash Grove United Methodist-Presbyterian Church or Ash Grove Lodge #100 are appreciated and may be left with the funeral home.