James R. Birt age 96 of Celina, passed away Saturday, July 22, 2023 at his home in Celina.

He was born on July 30, 1926 to the late Russell & Alvina (Kremelbeck) Birt. On December 12, 1945 he married his high school sweetheart, Rita (Schell) Birt and she survives in Celina.

He is also survived by his children, Larry Birt of Celina, Beverly & Joe Sutter of Kingman, Arizona, Deborah & Bruce Campbell of Mt. Gilead, Ohio, Vickie Hottes & David Conn of Vancouver, Canada, and Sandy & the late Steve Sutter of Celina. Grandchildren, Jason Sutter, Amy Moody, Amanda Moffitt, David Bruns, Shawn Sutter, Jennifer Tuggle, Travis Salway, Billie Jo Hiles and April Braun; 15 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren, a sister, Myra Weddle of Rockford, and a sister-in-law, Doris Birt of St. Henry.

He was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Steve Sutter, a brother, Robert Birt, and a brother-in-law, Ronald Weddle.

Jim was a veteran of the United States Navy and served in the Pacific during WWII. He was a former member of the Irish Settlement Church. He was retired from Pet Milk Co. and his own company, Ace Radiator Repair. Jim was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, VFW and American Legion.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Hogenkamp Funeral Home in Coldwater Condolences can be left at hogenkampfh.com.