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James Shifrin Obituary
James Jim Shifrin returned to Jesus on Saturday, September 30, 2023. His life was a testament to God, first as a loving and devoted husband to Mary-Grace and as a father who cherished his children, Bailey Theresa (predeceased), Cooper James, and Nevaeh Maria Rose, but also by his deep sense of giving to his students as a special education teacher, a musician who shared his gift of voice and guitar, and friend who always listened, laughed, and cared for others. Beyond these simple, humble gifts, Jim took grief and tragedy and turned it into an act of love and prayer. He built and dedicated a beautiful, welcoming, handicapped-accessible playground to include all children, and then, following a tragic bicycle accident that left him paralyzed, he formed the Bailey's Garden Foundation to support children and families with disabilities.
Jim was a brother to Albert Chick Shifrin, Salvatore Sam Shifrin, and Mary Patricia Howe (Shifrin); an uncle to Nicholas, Bryan, Joseph, Sean, Samantha, Tyler, Ariana, and Eli; a proud grand-uncle to Arlo James, and Shia. He is predeceased by his parents, Albert P. and V. Flora Shifrin. He was a loving son-in-law to Edward Pop and Dolores Quick and brother-in-law to Cheryl, Michelle, Rick, Edward, Kelly, Kathy, and Rafi. He also leaves many loving cousins and brothers in worship and music. Jim lived and loved passionately in all he did. His heart and soul are with the Lord, watching over all who knew him.
Calling hours are at Bacon Funeral Home 71 Prospect St, Willimantic on Friday, October 6, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A funeral Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday Oct 7, at the Church of the Holy Family, Hebron, CT, followed by a private burial and reception for all at the Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bailey's Garden Foundation, 116 Bascom Road, Lebanon, CT, 06249, Windham Dialysis Unit, Windham, CT, or Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, CT. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.baconfh.com.
James Jim Shifrin
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Memories and Condolences
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Joann Alleano
October 5, 2023
Mary-Grace,
We are saddened to hear of Jim's passing. We hope the happy memories outweigh the sad ones and help to keep you strong during this difficult time. Hugs to you and your family. Joann and Angelo Alleano
Edward and Dolores Quick
October 5, 2023
Dearest Mary-Grace,Cooper,Nevaeh,our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.We ask Gods Grace to help you all. Jim was a very spiritual man and was guided by his strong faith through all of life´s challenges.You and Jim bonded together even more through adversity and accomplished so many wonderful things for other people. I enjoyed our private time together going to therapy in Wallingford and New Britain He was so brave through it all.When he completed the handicaped playscape with the help of hundreds of wonderful people,after over ten years of persistence Jim told me the first person that went on it was a handicapped child and he said ,now I can play with the other kids! Jim said that alone made it worth while.Just in case you wonder were Jim is I was praying in church and Bailey said to me ,Daddies here! ,Daddies here!!,Daddies here!!! Daddies here!!!! And he is dancing with me and we are happy Love,Edward Pop and Dolores Noni Quick
Edward Pop and Dolores Noni Quick
October 4, 2023
Dearest Mary-Grace,Cooper,Nevaeh,I
Shari Piteo
October 4, 2023
Jim was a special friend and family member, and he will be greatly missed. We spent many wonderful times with Jim, Mary, Bailey, Cooper, and Nevaeh. Many of these memories include Vermont´s Hill Farm Inn, canoeing, and walking along the Battenkill River, Napatree Point in Watch Hill, Rhode Island and walking along peeper causeway (airline) in Hebron. Christmas and New Year´s Eve were also special times together. Jim was a talented musician, and we loved hearing him sing and play the guitar. He had a huge heart and his words and actions showed how much he cared about his family, friends, and all the kids he worked with. Jim will always be in our hearts and our memories of him will always be cherished.
Shari, Randy, and Marissa
Carolyn Ritchie
October 4, 2023
Mary-Grace and family, I am so sorry to hear about Jim´s passing. He was a great man who always had a kind way with his students and staff. May he rest in peace.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Carolyn Ritchie
Steve and Diane
October 4, 2023
Brother Jimmy. While we will miss you for now, we will be jamming again in heaven one day. Prayer to Mary-Grace and the family.
The Lineberry Family
October 4, 2023
Sending our deepest condolences to the Shifrin family. Peace and love from Carri, Frank & the Lineberry Family
Colin Pyzo
October 4, 2023
To my brother Jimmy. May you rest in peace, run like the wind, play tag with Baily, play guitar with your buddy Rich, and may you brother watch over you family and friends. Love you Jim and see you when I get there!!! Keep playing, you need the extra time. Because when I get there, you, Rich, and I will have Rock-roll heaven at the palm of OUR hands!!!!!! PEACE!!!!!!!
Rebecca Potter
October 4, 2023
Dearest Mary Grace-
I am so sad to hear of Jim´s passing. I can only hope that Jim is holding your sweet Bailey in his loving arms again and he and Darren are ripping up a few Rolling Stones tunes as they watch down on all the love they have left for us to share. My prayers of light are for you and your children as you process this difficult loss
Rebecca Potter
Emily
October 3, 2023
Dear Mrs. Shifrin you are in my thoughts tonight. The simple acts you & your husband have shown the small town of Lebanon as educators, coworkers, parents and neighbors will live on. My sincere condolences from
The Mellon Family on Tobacco rd
Maria and Joe klish
October 3, 2023
Joe and I send our deepest condolences for your loss.
Darlene Allegro
October 3, 2023
I am so very sorry for your loss .
Eileen Meara
October 2, 2023
We met Jim for the first time at our children's college graduation last year, along with his beautiful wife Mary Grace and their daughter Nevaeh. They were there to celebrate the bright future of their son Cooper. Throughout the weekend, I was struck by how Jim embraced the life he and Mary Grace had created, their past and present intertwined with such grace in the stories that were shared. We learned of his connections to many things -music, teaching and his great faith - and it was so easy to see the love that framed their lives together. In life there are those who will forever touch us and leave a mark. I think for many Jim was such a person and I am so grateful for the the time we spent together. Our deepest condolences to Mary Grace, Cooper, Nevaeh and their families.
Karen and Craig Nass
October 2, 2023
Jim will be missed by friends, family and especially his school family at Hampton Elementary School. So dedicated and loving even with so much going on in his life. He was an inspiration and courageous.
Always upbeat with music in his heart. Rest in peace. We will miss you
Joanie Murdoch
October 2, 2023
I am so sorry for Mary-Grace and the family, and my prayers go out to all of you. Jimmy's life was a testament to God and what He can do with one individual, and how that one person can bless so many others. He will be so missed here on earth. I know Jimmy is playing guitar for little Bailey and they're singing with the angels together. May God give all of you peace and love, just as Jimmy would want for you.
Karl E
October 1, 2023
I know Jim for 45 years and he has always had a positive outlook. Whey life gave him lemons he made lemonade. Even with his disabling injury, he keep a positive attitude. His faith deepened and gave him piece. And that is comforting to me. He will be deeply missed.
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