of Harrison, AR
December 12, 1925 - October 25, 2018
James Melchoir Virnig of Harrison, Arkansas passed from this life on October 25, 2018. He was 92 years old. James or "Jim" was born December 12, 1925, in Ethan, South Dakota. Jim's grandparents were German immigrants who homesteaded in South Dakota. Jim and his family moved to Minnesota where they farmed in Hayfield, Minnesota. Jim moved to Arkansas after being discharged from the Army. Jim was married to the love of his life, Esther Virnig, on December 27, 1951. Jim and his wife, Esther met at the Hotel Seville where Esther was working. They were set up on a blind date by Jim's brother, Ralph, who was a bellhop at the Hotel Seville.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Esther Virnig, his parents, Mathias Virnig and Eva Degen Virnig, his brothers, Bob, Gilbert, John, Ralph and his sisters Winifred and Mary.
Jim is survived by his son, James D. Virnig and daughter-in-law, Susan Virnig, grandchildren Sarah, Matthew and Zachary Virnig, his daughter Patricia Virnig Turner and son-in-law, Mike Turner, grandchildren Kristi Turner Walls and husband Patrick, Michelle Short and family and Shane Turner and family, and great-grandchild, Shelby Turner. He is also survived by one sister, Patricia Shuler of Simi Valley, California, sister-in-law and best friend, Nettie Virnig of Hot Springs, Arkansas and a host of nieces and nephews.
Jim served in the 14th Armored Field Artillery Battalion of the U.S. Army from 1944 until 1946. Jim was shipped out to the Philippines two days after World War II was declared over. While in the Philippines he guarded Japanese prisoners of war. Jim and his wife Esther drove a furniture moving van for two years before the birth of their son, James. They traveled throughout the U.S. and enjoyed seeing most of the continental United States.
Jim worked at Pace Industries as head of maintenance for 28 years. He had farmed his entire life and loved his cattle and horses. Jim was a creative man who could build or fix anything. In his later years, he started woodworking, building many beautiful items for his family. Jim was a member of Mary Mother of God Catholic Church. He had attended Mary Mother of God since moving to Arkansas in 1950.
Visitation was at Roller-Christesen Funeral Home on Sunday, October 28, 2018, from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm.
Services were at Mary Mother of God Church on Monday, October 29,2018, at 10:00 am with a Rosary preceding the services at 9:30 am.
The pallbearers were Zachary Virnig, Matthew Virnig, Tim Virnig, Ralph J. Virnig III, David Hight, and Johnathon Hight.
Honorary pallbearers were his granddaughters and his nieces and nephews.
Jim loved children and animals. In lieu of flowers please donate to the charity of your choice that benefits children or animals.
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12 Condolence(s)
Wesley and Loretta Smith
Saturday, November 17, 2018
Sorry for your families loss.
Jeannie Maples
Monday, November 5, 2018
My heartfelt prayers to all of your family. May your memories give you comfort.
Shane Wallis
Friday, November 2, 2018
I'm sorry for your loss. I just found out about your Jim's passing. I really cared for him. He cracked me up and always made me laugh. He will be missed! Shane Wallis
Shane Wallis
Friday, November 2, 2018
I'm sorry for your loss. I just found out about your Jim's passing. I really cared for him. He cracked me up and always made me laugh. He will be missed! Shane Wallis
Timothy Lauer
Thursday, November 1, 2018
Thanks so much to Mr. Virnig and family for your past support to the Townhouse Cafe...I will miss you and your warm demeanor and friendliness.
Lesia Koehler
Monday, October 29, 2018
Patricia,
I am so sorry for your loss! Your dad was sure something! He will be greatly missed.
Hugs and prayers for you and the family.
Love,
Ken & Lesia Koehler
Julianna Lorick
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Peace, Love,and Blessings!
Bud and Julianna
Dave & Cindy Durand
Sunday, October 28, 2018
We are so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful man.
If there is anything we can do please let us know.
Patricia, you are a wonderful person and stood by me and my family at one of the lowest times in my life when my dad (step dad) became ill and my mom was trying to cope. I wish I could do something to help ease the pain with your loss. We are praying for you and your family.
One of the greatest memories I have is of you and dad (Jim) dancing at the church christmas party. It brought tears to my eyes then and still does when I remeber it.
Love Cindy and Dave Durand
Heather Wright
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Sure going to miss Uncle Jim what a wonderful person he was. Prayers for all.
Lockie Sailer
Sunday, October 28, 2018
I will most remember Mr. Virnig’s ready smile and lively stories. He was a man with the type of spirit that could brighten the room. You will be missed, but your story will carry on with all who love you.
linda white
Friday, October 26, 2018
So sorry to hear about Jim. He was such a special man and loved it when he came into the flower shop for so many years. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Linda White (Lena Frances Flower Shop)
Kerri Hansen
Thursday, October 25, 2018
Louis and I are sending prayers for your loss of a very cherished man. We hope that your many years of wonderful memories sustain you through this time and forever.
God bless you and with much love,
Kerri-Jo and Louis