James G. Shirley was born May 5, 1941 in Memphis, TN the youngest of nine children born to the late Robert Biddle and Daisy Bessie Nash Shirley.
He was united in marriage to Marie Brown on March 31, 1959. Mrs. Shirley preceded him in death on January 11, 2022, following 62 years of marriage.
James worked as an insulator in the construction industry and was a proud member of Asbestos Worker’s Local 90 in Memphis, TN for 30 years. He was a hardworking man and almost never missed a day on the job. After he retired from construction work at the age of 55, James served as custodian for Michie School for 7 years, retiring at age 62. He took great pride in his work and embodied the spirit of Ecclesiastes 9:10 – “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might…” James was a member of the Fourth Street church of Christ, having been baptized in 1978. When time permitted, he enjoyed the occasional fishing and hunting trip with his sons.
James departed this life on January 31, 2024 in Ramer, Tennessee at the age of 82 Years, 8 Months, 26 Days. He is survived by three sons: Danny Shirley of Selmer, TN, Mike Shirley and wife Devona of Ramer, TN, and Ronnie Shirley and wife Sandra of Mt. Juliet, TN; a daughter, Johnnie Ellis of Ramer, TN; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
In addition to his wife and parents, James was preceded in death by four brothers and four sisters.
Memorials may be made to the Fourth Street church of Christ in Selmer or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
