Wrestling leader Jim Birk, 67, passed away; Memorial service on June 19 in Sunnyvale, Calif.
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by Birk family
James R. Birk
Jim Birk, 67, passed away May 26, 2009. Born in Knoxville, Iowa, to Philip and Genevieve Birk, on July 10, 1941. A graduate of Iowa State 1963 and Purdue University 1967, Ph.D. Analytical Chemistry.
Jim was Manager of Advanced Technologies at Electric Power Research Institute in Palo Alto, CA until his retirement in 1998. He was responsible for funding countless R&D projects that were instrumental in improving the quality and efficiency of energy production. Jim's passion for improving the national energy picture ultimately drew his focus to hydroelectric power. His broad expertise in energy technology made him a much sought after speaker, participant in government-industry panels, and frequent contributor of technical articles for the E.P.R.I Journal.
Jim was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 1996. He continued to pursue his many interests-cycling, supporting collegiate and Olympic wrestling, traveling to visit family and friends. Jim was an avid organizer of family reunions-leaving everyone with joyous memories. He enjoyed life... and it's somewhat comforting to know that he did not have to endure for very long the time when he could not pursue his many interests.
Birk was very active on the national level within wrestling. He was a regular writer and photographer for a variety of wrestling media outlets. He wrote a book about German wrestler Alexander Leipold, the 1994 World champion.
"Jim Birk was a great supporter of USA Wrestling and wrestling programs at all levels," said USA Wrestling Executive Director Rich Bender. "He has wrestling friends all across the nation, and we will miss his involvement and friendship."
Jim is survived by his wife, Sandy, of Sunnyvale, and four children, and several grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by many family members and close friends.
Donations in his memory can be made to The Parkinson's Institute, 675 Almanor Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94085, or USA Wrestling, 6155 Lehman Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80918.
The memorial service and reception will be at the Sunnyvale Community Center, 505 E. Remington Dr., Friday, June 19, at 10:00 a.m.
Jim Birk, 67, passed away May 26, 2009. Born in Knoxville, Iowa, to Philip and Genevieve Birk, on July 10, 1941. A graduate of Iowa State 1963 and Purdue University 1967, Ph.D. Analytical Chemistry.
Jim was Manager of Advanced Technologies at Electric Power Research Institute in Palo Alto, CA until his retirement in 1998. He was responsible for funding countless R&D projects that were instrumental in improving the quality and efficiency of energy production. Jim's passion for improving the national energy picture ultimately drew his focus to hydroelectric power. His broad expertise in energy technology made him a much sought after speaker, participant in government-industry panels, and frequent contributor of technical articles for the E.P.R.I Journal.
Jim was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 1996. He continued to pursue his many interests-cycling, supporting collegiate and Olympic wrestling, traveling to visit family and friends. Jim was an avid organizer of family reunions-leaving everyone with joyous memories. He enjoyed life... and it's somewhat comforting to know that he did not have to endure for very long the time when he could not pursue his many interests.
Birk was very active on the national level within wrestling. He was a regular writer and photographer for a variety of wrestling media outlets. He wrote a book about German wrestler Alexander Leipold, the 1994 World champion.
"Jim Birk was a great supporter of USA Wrestling and wrestling programs at all levels," said USA Wrestling Executive Director Rich Bender. "He has wrestling friends all across the nation, and we will miss his involvement and friendship."
Jim is survived by his wife, Sandy, of Sunnyvale, and four children, and several grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by many family members and close friends.
Donations in his memory can be made to The Parkinson's Institute, 675 Almanor Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94085, or USA Wrestling, 6155 Lehman Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80918.
The memorial service and reception will be at the Sunnyvale Community Center, 505 E. Remington Dr., Friday, June 19, at 10:00 a.m.
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