James Mirly

James W. "Jim" Mirly, 78, of Cape Girardeau died Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, at The Arbors at Capetown.

He was born Aug. 20, 1945, in Shawneetown to Raymond Gilbert and Charlotte Kessner Mirly. He and Marilyn Rose Huettig were married May 6, 1966, at Hanover Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau. She preceded him in death Feb. 6, 2005.

Jim was a graduate of College High School

He was a heavy-equipment operator for Erlbacher Materials Inc., starting in 1966. He continued with the company, which became Eastern Missouri Industries, and retired in 2001.

He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He was formerly a member of Hanover Lutheran Church, where he served as an elder and sexton of the church cemetery. He was also active as a Stephen Minister. In addition, he was active with Meals on Wheels.

He enjoyed making puzzles, woodworking, fishing and hunting. He also liked working on tractors and was involved with Egypt Mills Tractor Club.

Survivors include a son, Steve (Tonia) Mirly of Cape Girardeau; a daughter, Jill (Tom) Goodheart of Salem, Illinois; two brothers, the Rev. Ray Grant (Debbie) Mirly of Buckeye, Arizona, and Thomas (Terry) Mirly of Jackson; three sisters, Sharon (Lonnie) Tuschhoff of Altenburg, Missouri, Emy (Raymond) Gibbar of Jackson and Rita (Mark) Rees of Jackson; three grandchildren, Bethany (Brandon) Coleman, Logan (Stephanie) Mirly and Samantha (Adam) Helms; two great-grandchildren, Baylor Coleman and Aubrey Mirly; and a great-grandchild on the way, Lainey Mirly.

He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Gilbert Mirly; mother, Charlotte Tiedt, and her husband, Wilbert V. Tiedt; sister-in-law, Jo Ann Mirly; brother-in-Law, Ronald Glass; and great-grandbaby Mirly.

Friends may call from 10 a.m. to noon Friday, Nov. 17, at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral service will follow at noon Friday, Nov. 17, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Douglas Breite officiating. Burial will be at Hanover Lutheran Church Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial contributions may be given to Juvenile Diabetes Association, Alzheimer's Association or Trinity Lutheran Church or School.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.