James S. Irwin, 75,adivision superintendent at USX Steel’s South Works plant for more than 30 years, died Tuesday, May 9, after suffering a heart attack in his Flossmoor retirement home. “It was one of the saddest days of his life when the steel works closed down” in 1992, said his son Jim. “He loved every minute he worked there. He was old enough to retire by the time it shut, but he still missed all the memories that vanished with it.” Mr. Irwin served for two years in the Navy during World War II, spending most of his tour of duty in the South Pacific. Upon coming home, he enrolled at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, graduating in 1949 with a degree in mathematics. He married Marilyn Stephani, whom he had known since 3rd grade in their hometown of Roseland, Ill. “They had always been friends ever since they played together as kids,” his son said. “But when they met again after the war, they suddenly fell in love.” He then began a long career at the South Chicago’s sprawling steel mill. Other survivors include two daughters, Phyllis Heinrich and Patricia; a brother, Raymond; and five grandchildren. Funeral services were private.
