James G. Birginal

James G. Birginal of Rhinelander died on October 23, 2024, at the Aurora hospital in Marinette. He was born in Omaha, Nebraska on August 7, 1933, the son of Sylvester and Justina (Goeken) Birginal. His family moved to Milwaukee when James was a child. He attended schools there and after his graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served for four years. He served as a plane mechanic and attained the rank of Buck Sergeant. After his honorable discharge he returned to the Milwaukee area and was employed as a mechanic, then salesman and finally used car manager for Wilde Pontiac in Waukesha. In 1968 he and his family moved to Rhinelander where Jim owned and operated Birginal Motors until his retirement in 1991. After his retirement he remodeled the dealership and leased the building to the VA for the care of local veterans. James was always proud of his service and was pleased to be able to provide a convenient, clean and up to date facility for the care of his fellow veterans.

James married the former Betty Cantrall on October 3, 1953, in Waukesha, and the Lord blessed them with 65 years of marriage. They bought their first house using the GI bill where they then raised their family. Betty preceded him in death on February 1, 2018.

James was a devout Catholic and longtime member of the Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church. He was fervent about never missing Mass, praying the Rosary and receiving the sacraments. His interests included hunting and fishing, and he took many trips to Montana over the years for hunting and to visit friends at their ranches. He had a passion for trap shooting and was a lifetime member of the The Hodag Sports Club in Rhinelander. He spent many winters in Arizona to pursue that hobby in his younger years.

James is survived by his daughter Cindy (Randy) McCauley, son Curt (Lorissa) and son Chris (Daphne), his grandchildren Alicia and Adam McCauley, Megan and Jesse Birginal, Brianna and Brandon Birginal and four great-grandchildren, other family and many friends. In addition to his wife, he was also preceded in death by his parents, his son Craig, granddaughter Amanda, his great-grandson Austin and his sister, June.

Visitation for James will be held on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial following at 11:30 a.m. all at the Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church. Father Chris Kemp will be officiating. Interment will follow in the Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Cemetery. You may leave your private condolences for the Birginal family at www.carlsonfh.com. The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is serving the family.