James “Jim/Ursal” L. Wiersema, 68, of Fulton, IL, passed peacefully at home surrounded by family, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Jim was born July 1, 1957, in Clinton, IA, the son of Ursal and Ruth (DeVries) Wiersema. He owned and operated J&S Salvage for many years. He worked for Drives Inc. and retired from there in 2019. Jim married Cynthia “Cindy” Mathew on May 31, 1980, in Morrison, IL. She preceded him in death on September 9, 2021. Jim was a true outdoors man; he enjoyed hunting as well as camping with his friends. He was known to have told a story or two that brought laughs to anyone listening. Above all, Jim’s greatest joy was spending time with his children and being with his grandchildren, who gave him his favorite name–Papa Ursal.
Survivors include his children, Jamie (Joe) Snyder, Joe (Tatum) Wiersema, and Andy (Alesha) Wiersema, all of Fulton; sisters, Kathy (Don) Montgomery, of Fulton, and Cindy Wiersema, of Dyersville, IA; brothers, Tim (Bonny) Wiersema, of Clinton, and Russell (Karen) Wiersema, of Morrison, IL; four step-sisters; four grandchildren, Rhett, Brantley, Mallori, and Bristol; several nieces and nephews; many special friends and family.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Cynthia; son, Jason; parents; stepfather, Michael Foley; sister, Marcia VanderLinde; stepbrother, David Foley.
Cremation rites will be accorded.
A Gathering of family and friends will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at McDonald Funeral Home in Fulton, IL.
A Memorial Service will follow at 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at the funeral home, with Pastor Paul Wissink officiating.
Interment will conclude at Fulton Township Cemetery, Fulton, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.