James Dean Birkes Jr., 49, of Lodi, Wis., formerly of Sioux City, passed away Saturday, July 7, 2012, in Lodi from injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident.

A celebration of life service will be today in Lodi. Memorial services will be 3 p.m. Saturday at Grace Reformed Church in Waterloo, Iowa. A tribute and celebration of his life will be 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 22, at the Sioux City Elk's Lodge, 1001 Tri-View. The family asks that you bring a memory of Jimmy to share. Condolences may be sent online to www.pichafh.com.

Jim was born on Nov. 30, 1962, in Sioux City, the son of Jim and Judi (Peters) Birkes Sr. He graduated from North High School in 1981. He earned a degree in graphic design from the University of Northern Iowa. After college, he lived in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

He was married to Annette Begonia in 2005. They moved to Lodi in 2006 to be closer to his children. He was employed with Curtis 1000 in sales.

He loved the outdoors and lived for his children.  Music was Jim's passion and saving grace. He made a couple of CDs and played with many bands. His infectious smile and laugh touched everyone he came into contact with. He never met a person he didn't like or vice versa.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Annette; his children, Katy and Evan Birkes and their mother, Kathy Birkes Drees, all of Pewaukee, Wis.; his parents, Jim and Judi Birkes of Sioux City; a brother, Randy (Jackie) Birkes of Sioux City; a sister, Shelley (Bob) Erwin of Sioux City; his nieces and nephews, Samantha, Dustin and Conner Birkes, Alex, and Andy Erwin; two great-nieces, Peyton and Aliera Erwin; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; and many, many friends.

He was greeted in heaven by his grandparents; and a niece, Rylee Erwin.

Jimmy will be loved and deeply missed by all, but he left his music to inspire us.

Memorials may be directed to the Cedar Valley Acoustic Guitar Association http://www.cvaga.org  -- (Rick Vanderwall - rickvan@cfu.net .) 

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/93628037/james-dean-birkes