James H. Bires, age 72 of Gilbertsville, KY joined his loved ones in Heaven Dec. 17, 2015 at a Nashville Hospital. He was born to Verda and Charles Bires in Toledo, Ohio. Jim graduated from Maumee High School in 1961. After graduation James served his country by way of the U. S. Navy from 1962-65 as a MM3 on the USS Fiske DD/DDR 842. Once he completed his naval service, he joined the Maumee Fire Department as a volunteer in 1966 and advanced to Lt. Engineer. He then became a paramedic, working for Remsno and Lucas County EMS on Life Squad #7 at the Maumee Fire Department. He married Sandi Sauerwein in 1994. After 34 years of service, he retired on July 31, 2000.
James and Sandi moved to the Kentucky Lake area for their retirement where he loved to fish, boat and play golf. James was an avid golfer, a past member of Benton Country Club. He loved to play golf and collected logo golf balls. He was a member of Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church since 2000 where he served as previous trustee and volunteered building for the Ramp Ministry.
James is survived by his wife Sandi Bires; children: SueAnn (Dave) Mahnke, Amy (Gene) Coles, Kevin (Gloria) Sauerwein, Kerry (Ben) Leonard; brothers and sisters: Sharon (Joseph) Vislay, John (Donna) Bires, Paul (Diane) Bires, LeeAnn (James) Moline; 5 grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents Charles and Verda Bires; granddaughter, Maya Coles.
Family thanks The Veterans Administration, multiple treating physicians, and Tennessee Oncology, especially Dr. Jeff Infante who cared for James. The family requests that memorial contributions be sent to PearlPoint (615-467-1936 ext. 101) or to Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church Ramp Ministry.
Services will be held at Mount Carmel United Methodist Church 1950 Big Bear Hwy, Benton, KY 42025 on Sunday December 20th, 2015 at 2pm, Collier Funeral Home, Benton, KY are in charge of arrangements. Memorial Services are pending to be held in Toledo Ohio inurnment will follow at the Riverside Cemetery, Maumee, Ohio.