Final Salute

Leslie “Jim” Irons, of Hinckley, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2025, surrounded by his wife, five sons, their wives, and all his grandchildren. He was 80 years old.
Born in Hinckley to Lawrence and Vera Irons, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy shortly after graduating from Hinckley High School and served as a Seabee in the Vietnam War. His deep sense of patriotism led him to volunteer for a second tour while overseas. For most of his life, he operated heavy equipment—just as he had in the service—and continued to serve his state and community with the same dedication in his civic role as a heavy equipment operator. Known for his great sense of humor and unmatched ability to strike up conversation with new and old friends alike, Jim touched the lives of many.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Sonny; and his sisters Rose and Barb.

Jim had a large family. He is survived by his beautiful wife of 56 years, Margaret; children Rodney (Diane) Irons, Paul (Lorri Hildebrandt) Irons, James Irons, Shawn (Carin) Irons, and Thomas (Abby) Irons; grandchildren Evan and Emma, Hudson, Madison and Jay, Ian, Reagan, Lawrence, Aiden, Asher, Miles, Antin, and Roan; great-grandson, Edward Irons;  sister Sharon Saxon; and brothers-in-law Clint Ford and Robert Saxon. A lifelong fisherman, hunter, gardener, and grill master, Jim loved being outdoors, surrounded by friends and family.
A celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church in Hinckley, with a visitation one hour prior to the service. A wake will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21, at Tatting-Methven Funeral Services in Hinckley.
Arrangements by Methven Funeral and Cremation Services, Tatting Methven Chapel, Hinckley, www.methvenfuneralhome.com