James Bertram Shirreff's Obituary
Born May 30, 1920 in Monclair, New Jersey, son of Elizabeth and William P. Shirreff. He died peacefully on February 7th, 2012, at the age of 91. Jim graduated from Morristown Prep, in Morristown, NJ, and later from Colgate University in Hamilton, NY in 1948. His college years were interrupted by WWII. He enlisted in the Navy receiving his wings as a pilot in 1943, initially becoming a Flight Instructor in Advanced Single Engine Planes, training later in anti-sub tactics and multi-engine aircraft by the end of the war. Jim had met the love of his life in Shelter Island, NY at age 16, Jean Porter. They married nine years later, on July 27th, 1945, and had just celebrated their 65th anniversary before Jean’s passing in 2010. They moved to Midland, TX after Jim’s graduation to pursue his geological career with Tidewater, Inc.; followed by a move to Dallas in 1952, where he joined the firm of Degolyer and MacNaughton as a petroleum geologist. Both he and Jean were seasoned sailors, in 1960 opened Shirreff Sailboats, which they sold 14 years later as Jim’s geological consulting business boomed. While raising his children, he coached little league baseball, being an avid fan of the sport, and especially of the Texas Rangers. In retirement, he built experimental aircraft, traveled, and became a huge “El Rushbo” fan. Always with a twinkle in his eye, Jim spoke enthusiastically about family, friends, baseball, sailing, politics, and Texas. He was our “Rock of Ages”, our Grandpa “Bull”, using the salutation of “Good Luck” for those he favored. His favorite song was “Sentimental Journey” which now he begins. We love you Dad. Jim is survived by his son, James Shirreff and wife Maureen, grandchildren Sam and Grace from Chicago, IL, daughter, Susan Fossum, and husband Erl, grandchild Christopher from Littleton, CO, and daughter Ann Dunn Coffee, and husband Robert from Laguna Beach, CA, step-grandchildren Jane and Katherine, along with many extended family members. We would like to acknowledge the loving caretakers of Jim, whom we are forever indebted to: Ms Nubia Ledezma-Minghillo, Ms Maryland DeLaCruz, and Ms Elizabeth Serralde. A private family service will be conducted at Restland .
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