James P. Birmingham
August 9, 1940 ~ June 22, 2004
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
James P. Birmingham 'Diesel Smoke,' age 63, passed away June 22, 2004, in Pueblo, Colorado. Survived by his wife of 34 years, Mary E. Birmingham; children, Loney L. (Mary) Guyette of Pueblo, Lorraine (Bob) Hines of Dale City, Virginia, Harland (Debbie) Guyette of Pueblo, Danny (Stephanie) DeHerrera of Denver, Edward M. (Karen) Birmingham of Marion, New York, Patrick J. Birmingham of Pueblo, and Arthur J. (Roberta) Birmingham of Colorado Springs; brothers, Joseph (Yvonne) Birmingham of Oceanside, California; sister, Dorthy (Robert) Shive of Geneva, Illinois; and brother, Michael (Sandra) Birmingham of Mt. Vernon, Iowa; 16 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his ex-wife, Dometilla Birmingham; father, James P. Birmingham, Sr.; mother, Gladys Kerkove; and step-mother, Elizabeth V. Birmingham. Born to James P. and Gladys Birmingham, August 9, 1940, in Elma, Iowa. Mr. Birmingham served in the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. A retired Pueblo Police Officer, he loyally served the people of Pueblo. He was a life member of B.P.O. Elks Lodge No. 90, Disabled American Veterans San Isabel No. 2, American Legion Post 2, Front Range Antique Power Association, and Rocky Mountain Tractor Pullers Association. He will lie in state Monday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral Mass, 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 30, 2004, at St. Joseph Church, 1145 S. Aspen, with the Reverend Fr. Marcos Salinas and the Reverend Fr. Richard Becker as celebrants. Elks Rites by B.P.O.E. No. 90, full military honors by the Pueblo Veteran's Ritual Team and interment, Roselawn Cemetery. Reception will follow at the American Legion Post No. 2, 701 W. 9th Street. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com
I grew up with Jim’s family in Elma Iowa. We lose touch, but never lose thoughts. Best of wishes to all of Jim’s family, we are thinking and praying for you all.
Dear family of Jim: I was the family baby-sitter in Elma, Iowa….We always enjoyed seeing Jim when he came back to Iowa….He loved Pueblo and his family and friends…..My prayers are with you…God love you…..Avis
May God Bless you in your time of sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jimbo was one of my favorite customers at Eilers’. I am sure that I speak for all of the bartenders when I say that we lost a piece of what makes that place the way it is. His constant smile, laughter and outlook on life will be missed.
RED
Auntie Mary and family:
My heartfelt smypathy goes out to you for the loss of Uncle J.P.
Words do not heal in this hard time but may your memories held deep within your heart help to sooth your spirit at this difficult time.
I am sorry I cannot be there with you to say my last goodbyes…but you are in my prayers.
I love you.
Cyndi
Mary and Family,
The Eiler’s Gang isn’t the same without Jim BirmingShumka (Shumka is Ham in Slovenian) and was our nickname for him. Fortunately, we shared many grand times with him, whether he was playing his piano accordian for us or sharing tractor stories. I’m so glad that I framed the 2 tractor pictures for him. We displayed the Colorado City picture with the caption “she thinks my tractor’s sexy!!” On Tuesday, he had fun telling the Sam’s story about taking his picture repeatedly and how surprised when they extended credit when all he wanted was a new card. His last days were happy ones, I believe.
So sorry to lose him.
Sincerely, Jil and all the Eilers folks
Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you. Jim was and always will be a very special man.We loved to talk to him at the tractor pulls.He never failed to ask about my step-brother,Roger. He will be truly missed.Seen him in Canon City in May.The tractor pulls aren’t going to be the same.
My deepest sympathy to all of you on your loss. I was a classmate of Jim’s in Elma and graduated with him in 1958. We had many hunting experiences together throughout our high school years. Also took accordian lessons with him. He was a very good accordian player and good friend throughout our school days.
I am very sorry for your loss. J.P. was a good person. He helped many people in many ways. He had a heart as big as all of the outdoors. In Noverber of 1968, I was banished to a foot partol on Union Ave. after I made a police captain angery at me. I did not have a winter jacket to ware. It was a very cold November, at the risk of being punished, JP stopped to check on me. In finding that I did not have a jacket, he gave me his to use until I could get one. I shall always remember a giving peron,who at risk to himself gave a brother police officer his jacket on a cold night in Novermer of 1968.
May God bless him and all of you.
John Koncilja Jr Sergeant Retired Pueblo Police department.
Mary,
I am so sorry to hear about Jim. May God bless you and your family.
Joyce Trontel