Dr. James R. Shortell

still remembered and still missed

My condolences to Carol and the children. So sorry to hear of Jim's passing as we often spoke over recent years after I left town, and he never failed to poke adversity in the eye as I could still see him as he presided over the Spoke events and gatherings. He was truly the Maven of Mirth and none of us could escape his humor and good-natured jabs - that humor much appreciated and chronicled in the infamous Loose Spoke. A great guy, a good friend, a respected member of the community and...

My condolences to Carol and the entire family. The following poem is for Jim who will be missed tons and tons . . . David Goodman / Fellow East Spoke Ping Ponger and Deep Sea Fisherman :) In Greenfield, MA, where hearts are light, At Franklin Medical Center, a star took flight. Jim Shortell, a psychologist with a heart of gold, Left us with memories, stories to be told. With humor sharp as a razor's edge, He poked fun at us all, in a loving pledge. His poems were masterpieces, full of rhyme...

Jim was a good friend and colleague for the many years we were together at East Spoke. He was our poet laureate and a class act professionally and personally. The Memorial Day Weekends that he hosted for "The Boys" on Cape Cod are some of my most cherished memories. Good fellowship, bad poker and excellent vodka martinis. Rest in peace, Jim

I was fortunate to have worked with Jim on East Spoke from 73-77. He was a prince of a man and an excellent clinician. I will fondly remember poker games, fishing weekends at the Cape, as well as spirited ping-pong matches on the unit and Sunday morning basketball at Stoneleigh Burnham. I last saw him 2 years ago as his health was declining. He exuded grace and class, always. A truly wonderful friend. Rest in peace. Michael Enson

Reading through these poignant memories of Jim inevitably brought smiles, laughter and tears remembering what a unique and kind man he was. The Loose Spoke was unrivaled in its range of storytelling, poetry and news and left us all laughing heartily as Jim poked some fun to lift us up as the work we were doing together was not always easy. But he and the Loose Spoke carried us through and left us as Jim has remembering the bonds we all created with his help. A truly wonderful person.

Jim was a good friend.We have fond memories of golf,basketball,lunches.I will miss Jim ,his friendship and his enthusiasm for life. Doug Fusonie

So sorry to hear of Jim's passing and agree with all of my East Spoke friends. I remember some very happy times working together on the East Spoke and Jim was always a part of these times. The Loose Spoke was a quality newsletter that we all looked forward to. Jim was a lot of fun and enjoyed working with all of the unit staff. Enjoyed staying at his rental properties both in Maine and the Cape when my kids were young. A very wise and caring man that I always adored. Rest in peace...