Charles William Jirauch

Charles William Jirauch ("Chuck" or "Charlie") 

April 27, 1944 – March 3, 2025

Charles William Jirauch, beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on March 3, 2025, at the age of 80 in Gilbert, Arizona, with his three children by his side. Born on April 27, 1944, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Mary Kathleen (Horan) and Mathew Clarence Jirauch, Chuck was the oldest of four siblings. He adored his parents and was a loving big brother to Matthew, Kathy, and Sally. 

Chuck is preceded in death by his parents and his sister Kathy Fulwider (James). He is survived by his brother Matthew, sister Sally, niece and nephews and his three children: Melissa Metsch (Michael), Mathew (Matt) Jirauch, and Kathleen (Katie) Jirauch, along with his four grandchildren: Madeline, Michael Jr., Charlie, and Teddy. He is also survived by his beloved dogs, Blackie and Scotch, who brought him so much joy. In 1980, Chuck married Dana Bowen, whom he had met on a Frontier Airlines flight out of Denver years earlier. Together, they settled in Phoenix, where they raised their three children—Melissa, Matt, and Katie—and shared their home with more than eight dogs, 2 cats, bunnies, a tortoise, numerous hamsters, birds and fish, and many other pets over the years, a testament to Chuck's deep love for animals and his family. 

Chuck was deeply proud of his education and career. He graduated from St. Louis University High School (SLUH, Class of 1962), where he excelled in academics, football, and track. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Washington University in 1966, working nights to support himself. Chuck later earned his Law Degree from Georgetown University (Class of 1970) and a Diploma in European Union Commercial/Competition Law from the University of England and Wales School of Law in 2008. 

After starting his career in Patent Law in Chicago, Chuck moved to Arizona in 1975, joining Streich Lang, which later merged with Quarles & Brady. There, he practiced commercial litigation and focused on Intellectual Property and Technology Law until retiring in 2009 as a respected Commercial Trial Lawyer. Chuck was honored in Best Lawyers in America and Southwest Super Lawyers for his work in Intellectual Property, as well as many other recognitions throughout his career. 

Chuck’s life was defined by his passions, both personal and professional. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he was a season ticket holder for Arizona State Football, Arizona Cardinals Football, and the Phoenix Suns, and a devoted fan of Georgetown Hoyas basketball. However, his greatest joy came from watching his children and grandchildren play soccer. He also loved to travel and was fortunate to visit and relish in the beauty of many places in the states and around the world. Most notably, a drive up the Pacific Coast that ended in Calgary, Canada for the 1988 Olympics and a spur of the moment family vacation to Paris to ring in 2000.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Chuck was deeply committed to his community. He served on the Board of Directors and was President for Valley Big Brothers, Valley Big Brothers/Big Sisters and Valley Big Brothers/Big Sisters Foundation and was a mentor to two young boys over a five-year period. Chuck also volunteered at the Andre House, where he and his family helped serve meals to the homeless, and later worked with young children at Navajo Elementary School. Always generous, he kept a stack of $10 McDonalds gift cards in his car to hand out to those in need around Phoenix. Chuck cherished his time at the Franciscan Renewal Center (The Casa), where he served as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, and was a member of the Men in Spirit faith group. 

Chuck’s generosity, warmth, and unwavering love for his family, friends, and community will be deeply missed. His legacy of kindness and compassion for everyone he came in contact with will forever be remembered. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona at https://secure.bbbsaz.org/page/144765/donate/1 or that you consider purchasing a stack of McDonald's gift cards to hand out to those in need in memory of Chuck.