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James Shirey Obituary

SHIREY, Jr., JAMES RICHARD June 7, 1994 to January 10, 2009 James (Jim) Shirey, passed away from a sudden illness on Saturday. Jim loved food, in particular sushi and pie, video games, Anime and spending time with his family and friends. Jim was preparing to graduate from Diamond Ranch Academy's Real Life Transitions program as a freshman in high school with a new outlook on life as a more positive responsible person. He can add this to his list of accomplishments which include a black belt in karate and being a champion Halo 3 player. He has never been beaten at the game of Risk and was the top chess player at his school. He loved life and always had a "mile of smile." He was a mentor to his classmates and a true friend who could always bring a laugh and a smile to any situation. His zest for life and love for his family and friends will be sorely missed. We take comfort in knowing Jim is in Heaven with his Grandpa Jack fishing, eating junk cereal and enjoying the all you can eat buffet. He leaves behind his parents, James, Sr. (Jim) and Susan (Sue) and his beloved brother, Matt, age 11, of Coronado, CA; grandparents, Jody and Tom Goddard of Blue Springs, MO, Darlene Shirey of Coronado, CA, Jim and Carrie Baker of Truth or Consequences, NM, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who will miss him greatly. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, January 17th, at 10:00 a.m. at Eastlake Community Church, 2355 Otay Lakes Road, Chula Vista, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Coronado Schools Foundation James Richard Shirey, Jr. Fund to: 201 6th Street, Coronado, CA 92118, phone #619-437-8059.

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Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Jan. 15, 2009.

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Christmas 2015 - Christmas in Kansas City, Mo

January 1, 2016

Grand Canyon - (4/6/2010) - James, we felt your presence every step of the way on our hike out of the Canyon. We miss you and love you.

May 6, 2010

Grand Canyon - Grandma Jo and Grandpa Tom

May 6, 2010

Grand Canyon - (4/5/2010) - Phantom Ranch

May 6, 2010

James Garden - The first harvest

April 27, 2010

James Garden - The new mural

April 27, 2010

James Garden - The perfect flaw

April 27, 2010

James Garden - The unfinished mural with the holes!

April 27, 2010

James Garden - The original mural at Silver Strand

April 27, 2010

James ashes - (1/9/2010)

April 27, 2010

Jmes Ashes - (1/9/2010) - Pacific Ocean, scattering James ashes

April 27, 2010

James Oil Painting by Sue Knop - Our friend Sue Knop painted this portrait in oil of James. It hangs with pride in our living room. Thank you Sue!

September 14, 2009

James Cap - James crocheted this cap!

May 1, 2009

April 28, 2009

James Quilt - Some squares of his quilt.

April 27, 2009

Our Precious Angel - This was the angel James drew the week before he died. Carol had it made into a t-shirt to add to the quilt. Note the crosses - she hand knotted the quilt with white crosses. Gorgeous

April 27, 2009

James quilt - Inside of James quilt.

April 27, 2009

James Quilt - This is the Quilt that Carol Willis made from James t-shirts. Awesome!

April 27, 2009

James Quilt - We are blessed to be quilt #1 from Coronado Keepsake Quilts

April 27, 2009

Batman and Robin - James and Matt on Halloween. They've been working out!

April 16, 2009

Santa (Jim) and James - Mission City Auto Auction Christmas Party. James is thinking, "you look vaguely familiar."

April 16, 2009

Dylan and James - Buzz and Woody

April 16, 2009

James and Grandpa Jack - At Mission City Auto Auction Christmas Party

April 16, 2009

James first visitor - James Grandpa Jack was the first one at the hospital to hold his sweet grandson.

April 16, 2009

Grandpa Tom - James and Grandpa Tom fishing at Lake Tapawingo, Blue Springs, MO.

April 16, 2009

Jim, James and Grandpa Matt Tomich

April 16, 2009

Jim on Christmas Eve - (12/24/2008)

January 30, 2009

Guitar Hero @ Holiday Bowl Parade - (12/30/2008) - Jonas and James Play Guitar Hero

January 30, 2009

Seaport Village - Ice Cream!

January 30, 2009

Christmas eve dinner - (12/24/2008) - Emma, James, Grandma Jo, Mom, Sofie, Grandpa Tom, Uncle David, Matt, Jonas

January 30, 2009

Jonas, Jim, Mom and Emma - (1/2/2009) - Marching in the Disneyland Parade

January 30, 2009

Jim's New Years Resolutions - (1/5/2009) - Written the week before he died

January 28, 2009

Angel picture - (1/6/2009) - James drew this picture the week before he died

January 28, 2009

Matt and James caught at Wahoo in Cabo - (11/2004)

January 28, 2009

Zion National Park - (11/2007) - Thanksgiving

January 28, 2009

Torrey Pines State Park - (12/26/2008) - James and Mom

January 28, 2009

Catalina Island - (7/2007)

January 28, 2009

James and Enrique - colonial Day 5th Grade

January 27, 2009

Grandma Dar and James at Cotiliion - Sixth Grade Coronado Middle School

January 27, 2009

Colonial Day - James 5th Grade

January 27, 2009

Mom and James - (12/24/2008) - Christmas Eve

January 27, 2009

Jim Hanggliding - (12/26/2008) - Torrey Pines Glider Port

January 27, 2009

Jim and Matt - (8/2008) - Diamond Ranch

January 27, 2009

Auntie Janet and Jim - (4/2006) - Puerto Vallarta

January 27, 2009

Uncle Jeff measuring Jim - (12/23/2008) - Christmas visit

January 27, 2009

James and Brewski - (12/23/2008) - Christmas visit

January 27, 2009

Jim's 13th Birthday Naruto Cake - (6/7/2008)

January 27, 2009

James in front of his dorm at DRA

January 27, 2009

Jim in Library at DRA - (7/2008)

January 27, 2009

James and Jim reeling in a Wahoo - (11/2003) - Cabo San Lucas

January 26, 2009

James and Matt Tandem Parasailing - (11/2003) - Cabo San Lucas

January 26, 2009

Jim Jumping off a cliff in Catalina - (8/2004) - Cherry Cove, Catalina

January 26, 2009

James and Mrs. Montgomery - (6/2004) - Jim's favorite Principal

January 26, 2009

James and Mr.Merlin - (6/2004) - Jim's 5th Grade Teacher

January 26, 2009

Disneyland - (1/2/2009) - 3D glasses

January 26, 2009

Matt, Great Grandma Ree and James - (8/2003) - Visiting Ree in the hospital

January 26, 2009

Matt and James making a splash - (8/2008) - Hotel Visit, Washington Utah

January 26, 2009

James at Crater of Vesuvius - (7/2006) - Jim hiked to the top!

January 26, 2009

January 26, 2009

Uncle Jeff, James and Cousin Emma - (7/2006) - Ravello, Italy

January 26, 2009

Mazatlan, Mexico Holland America Cruise - (5/2006) - James, Annie, Britta, Matthew, Matt

January 26, 2009

James and Sensei Miko - (2006) - Black Belt Test

January 26, 2009

Zion National Park - (11/2008) - Thanksgiving

January 26, 2009

Matt and James - (11/2003) - Cabo

January 26, 2009

Grandma Jo and Grandpa Tom - (12/24/2008)

January 26, 2009

Uncle Jeff, James and Uncle David - (12/23/2008) - Christmas Homecoming

January 26, 2009

DRA class - (6/2008)

January 26, 2009

DRA - (8/2008)

January 26, 2009

Deana Delsol

July 10, 2022

So sorry for your loss. Prayers.

January 10, 2020

Love him and miss him very much. Gpa Tom and Gma Jody

Pop, Maggie and Daisy

Jim Baker

January 30, 2014

Jim, Sue, and Matt, God surely called home one of his saints when he took our James. That is why there can be both sorrow and joy at the passing of one we lived so much. We cannot understand why things happen but we know it is not because God doesn't love us. Thank you for keeping his memory for all to share. Pop

Stacy Eichman

February 6, 2012

Today I was looking for Sue's address and used Google. The search enging took me to this Guest Book. An ordinary day turned extrodinary. I sat and thought about James and remembered being at the city market in Kansas City with my daughter, Chloe, James, Matt, Sue and Joe. James was five, Chloe was six and Matt was in stroller a wee little tot. The day was beautiful. Sunny, not to humid and Joe was clowning, Handing out ballons and smiles. James was concerned about Chloe's ability to push the stroller with one hand. She looked at him with her thousand watt smile and said we both can push Matt. This made James light up and he kissed Chloe's cheek. Chloe tilted her head up and smiled at James and both of them became friends forever. We love you James.

Eichman Family

January 12, 2012

Sue & Jim,

I read all the of the Guest book. Put all the thoughts, prayers & tears together and there comes more. Only new James at the Clown Show where he was a brave. Brave one at the end of the Rainbow.Love the Shireys!

Pam Dukes

January 11, 2012

I love you and we miss you

Tom and Jody Goddard

January 10, 2012

There will always be a hole in our hearts. Time goes so fast but we will never forget our special James. Blessings to you today and always. With lots of Love.

joyce montgomery/weaver

January 10, 2012

Jim, Sue and Matt,
It is hard to believe that it has been three years. James continues to be such a strong and positive influence in so many of our lives. I know that as a student, James helped define me as an educator...such a wonderful spirit. Thank you for sharing him with us.

Paige

March 14, 2011

I did not know Jim personally but they he died while I was at DRA, i finally understood what people meant about live while you can. Im so sorry for your lost and I hope things are better

Brian Norvell

December 6, 2010

Sue,

I did not know that your son had passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

ron juarez

June 7, 2010

Sue, I'm at a lost for words right now... I had no ideal you lost your son. You have my deepest sympathy.

Sharon Scroggs-Eikel

June 7, 2010

Sue, What a wonderful tribute to your son. My Thoughts and Prayers are with you, and your family.Thank you for sharing your son with us. Love ya lots!

Judi Stivers

June 7, 2010

Dear Sue, Jim and Matt,
You are very special people, James was blessed to have you as family. As you celebrate James' Birthday today (knowing you miss him terribly) I wish you all the happiness your memories bring. After reading your journal entries, I have no doubt that James' smile will be shining bright all day.
Happy Birthday James!

Grandma Jo Goddard

June 7, 2010

Happy 16th Birthday, James. We love and miss you. RIP.

April 14, 2010

Dear Jim & Sue, Dean and Katie Van Leuven used to work with the Shirey family at the auction in San Diego. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your grief. Bless you all.

Corinne and my daughter Olivia.

April 8, 2010

Corinne Ruiz

April 8, 2010

Dear Sue, what a beautiful tribute to your son James. James has such a wonderful smile. I know that he is in Heaven with my daughter Olivia. They are both smiling down on us saying "Just be happy, because we are".

Peace and Blessings.

Corinne Ruiz,
Olivia's mom

Christine Figueredo

January 15, 2010

Suzy Q,

It's hard to believe I could be so disconnected..had no idea you had lost James. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and Jim and Matt. I hope he is having his best adventure now with Jesus!

Dianna Gibson

January 12, 2010

Sue,
You may remember me, as you were so very gracious in talking to me last fall, 2009, regarding my son, who is currently at DRA. I was fortunate in connecting with you quickly, because I know/used to work with your Mom. First, I want to express my deepest sympathy for the loss of your son, James. I know that you and your family truly treasure your time with and memories of James. I clearly realize, after reading more about James, that he was very special and had become so well prepared for life. His poems are absolutely amazing! I cannot imagine how much you must continue to miss him, but I know, as you do and have shared, that he is in Heaven and most definitely lives on! Second, I wanted to let you know that my son is doing very well at DRA and achieved Supervisor status. I just returned from my first visit with him. I so appreciate your support last fall, when I was in need! You are special! Thanks so much..

dave mosby

December 31, 2009

Suzie:
I am having trouble with what to type. I have two daughters and can only imagine the pain. From reading the guest book it appears James lives on!

His first Sylvan recognition award for outstanding growth!!!

Frances Lopez

September 4, 2009

Hi Sue and family,
James was such a wonderful student here at Sylvan. He is lucky to have such a loving family. We miss and love him here at Sylvan.

Elaine Tenen

April 24, 2009

Sue,
It was so good to spend some time with you this morning. I miss James and his sweet smile. When I think of him I always think of when he slept over and wanted hugs before he went to bed. He gave such great hugs!!! My heart breaks for you, Jim, Matt and all your family. I love you guys and I am always here for you day or night, whenever you need me. James will always have a special place in my heart and his beautiful soul will always be present and a gift to all of us.

Carl Santavicca

April 17, 2009

Dear Sue,
I can't find the words to convey how sad and shocked I feel. My deepest sympathy.

Carl

Kelly Goddard

March 27, 2009

Jim, Sue, and Matt,
Always remember that our thoughts and prayers are with you guys all the time. Grand Canyon was incrediable and we would love to share the experience with you someday soon. If it is anything like heaven James is in an awesome place. We love you all!
Goddards

Colleen Colvin

March 11, 2009

Dear Shirey Family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss, and I know me saying that doesn't make it any better, but I just want you to know that James was a wonderful person (even though you already knew that!). I remember participating in school plays with him at Silver Strand and what a friendly, kind, caring, and funny boy he was. He will really be missed!

Matthew & Leloashia Taylor

February 17, 2009

We are friends of Tom and Jody, they have been such a blessing to our family and I can't imagine what they and you are going through right now. I am really sorry to hear that your son has passed, but the story you told about him being in a much better place encourages me that you guys will be fine. My family will be praying for your family. Where there is unity there is strength. Be encouraged and be blessed.

February 11, 2009

To The Shirey Family,

You have may deepest sympathy.

I knew James thru Jodi - we worked together at Honeywell for years. I have a grandson,"James", also...he's 18. We'd share stories about our grandkids.

Please know that I feel your pain and pray that, in time, your days will get a little better.

I'm sharing the journey with you, as your Mom can tell you.

Trust God. That's all you can do.

Sheila Parks,
Kansas City, Missouri

Garrin Williams (8 years old)

February 9, 2009

Aunt Sue, my mom just rand the letter to me I was criing so bad my mom to.Did you see hem in your bedroom or the chichen.I wont to know?My mom saids hi me to.I have lose of queshtens. We miss you and pray for you guys almost everyday. love Garrin

Katie Lussier

February 8, 2009

To The Shirey Family,

I never got to meet your Son James or know of his quest in life. I am deeply saddend to of heard about his passing. To you all..my deepest sympathy. A prayer has been said that your loss eases and memories deepen in the future. This is an absolute wonderful way to share in all you've gone through in life with him.....Sincerely

Author Unknown

February 8, 2009

God is with him in heaven...know that. May he be blessed for all of his good deeds on earth. Amen

Ellen Evans

February 3, 2009

Dearest Sue, Jim and Matt:

Sending love and encircling all of you with love and prayers....this morning and every morning. My heart aches feeling the tremendous waves and infinite love holding each of you-Sue Jim and Matt,sweet James, Jim and Carrie, Jeff and his beautiful family, Jodi and Tom,sweet David and everyone in your extended family. There are no words that I can articulate here to express the emotion that is beyond comprehension, so with deep sympathy and love I will continue to pray and breathe on your behalf....with all my heart-

Del Merlan

February 2, 2009

Jim, Sue, and Matt,
It was an honor to have worked with James in class. James made a significant impact in my life and I will always remember him and his free spirit. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

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