James K. "Skinny" Irwin Jr., 72, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Thursday, December 29, 2016, at CHI Health St. Francis, in Grand Island, NE. A celebration of his life will be Thursday, January 5, 2017, from 1 – 3 p.m. at Agricultural Park, in Columbus, NE. Military honors will be presented at 1:00 p.m. by Hartman Post #84, American Legion Honor Guard. Curran Funeral Chapel, in Grand Island, NE is assisting the family. Skinny was born July 16, 1944, at Phillipsburg, New Jersey. He was the son of James K. and Elizabeth V. (Felver) Irwin Sr. Survivors of the immediate family include his wife, Francine "Frankie" Irwin of Papillion, NE Son, Sean (Wendy) Irwin of Oriental, NC Grandsons, Jerrylee Irwin of Imogene, IA, and Michael Irwin of Red Oak, IA Brothers and sisters, Christine Irwin of Westford, Massachusetts David (Deb) Irwin of Sumner, NE Steve Irwin of Grand Island, NE Mary Irwin of Gering, NE Beth (David) Kumpost, Anchorage, AK Skinny grew up in Valentine, NE, graduating from high school in 1962. He entered the U.S. Navy on June 20, 1962 serving until his honorable discharge on May 14, 1964. He returned to Nebraska where he owned and operated a grain truck out of St. Libory, NE and later working at Appleton Electric in Columbus, NE. He trained thoroughbred race horses as well, racing primarily in Nebraska. Skinny also operated a feed business while racing and was a part-time hand at Ag Park in Columbus, NE, helping with every aspect of the racetrack. He married Francine Boes on February 3, 1972, at Holdrege, NE. He was known for his kindness and generosity, helping his elderly neighbors by mowing their lawns during the summer months. He loved his horses and training them, and shared that love with everyone he met. He was a trainer until his dying day. Skinny was a member of AA and was proud of his many years of sobriety. He was also a member of the HPBA. Memorials are suggested to the family in care of Sean Irwin, 2252 Kershaw Rd, Oriental, NC, 28571. Thoughts and memories may be shared with the family at www.curranfuneralchapel.com under Skinny's obituary. Reception

Thursday, January 5, 2017 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Agricultural Park 822 15th St. Columbus, Nebraska 68601