James Roy Shirk

James Roy Shirk, July 5, 1959 – April 3 2021 Jim was born in Sarasota, Florida and was the youngest of four siblings. When he was a boy, he enjoyed riding his bike all over town and went on numerous adventures. He loved listening to music on his radio. He could often be found collecting fun items on the block and salvaging them. Jim liked to see how things worked and fix things that were broken. He had an interest in mechanics and tinkering. He always had a unique way of thinking outside the box that continued on all throughout his life from an early age. In the years of 1966 – 1970 (7-11 years old), Jim lived and went to school in Mandeville, Jamacia. His parents planted churches there and pastored one in their town. During his time there, Jim created some amazing memories. He and his brother Dave learned to speak the patois dialect. Together they explored the caves and learned to snorkel. His Dad taught them how to make bamboo cannons. He also learned how to play guitar there. He later returned to Sarasota and was a part of the cross country team in school. He graduated at Eastern Mennonite High School in 1977. Jim met the love of his life while working for Publix in 1975. He and Dottie dated for 5 years before he proposed to her in the garden at the Kapok Tree. They became man and wife on February 1st,1980. After Jim became scuba certified in 1982, one of his favorite things to do was diving in the Sarasota gulf with his love. Jim and Dottie’s hearts were full when they had the whole family over, sharing meals together and watching their family grow. Jim truly served his wife well. He called her his sunshine and loved her as Christ loved the church. He pampered her with extra special care including foot rubs to end the day. Not a day went by where Dottie wondered if she was loved. Together they celebrated 41 beautiful years of marriage. He cared for Dottie’s family just as he did his own. He always jumped in to help where help was needed. He had an extra measure of care and compassion for Dottie’s special needs brother Doug. He showed him great patience and understanding. He took him on many adventures to Doug’s favorite places around town such as the library and out to eat. Jim also attended many of his special Olympic events. At the age of 31, Jim’s struggle with many heart issues began. He experienced two miracles though he wasn’t expected to make it. He was saved both times which resulted in 30 extra years of life and memories with his family. God saw Jim through his surgeries and fulfilled his plan for him to see many more years. Every minute was precious and a gift from the Lord. During that time, their faith strengthened and sustained them through a very difficult season. Their relationship was made stronger as a result of the trials they faced together. God was faithful to provide their needs throughout it all. In April 1982, He welcomed his firstborn son, Ryan into the world. In October 1992 he was blessed with his second son, Alex. Jim took his boys camping in the yard and at Myakka State Park. They enjoyed fishing, bike riding, taking walks, sharing stories by the fire and cooking under the stars. They also spent time together on their Uncle’s boat in the gulf and trips down to the keys. There they enjoyed lobster season and deep sea fishing. He was always present at all of their events and gave his full support in their endeavors. They were fans of the Tampa Bay Lightning and attended games at the Thunder Dome and Amalie arena together. Jim also instilled his work ethics upon his sons. He taught them the many important values of life, family and how to be a good steward of their work. Jim never had idle hands. The wisdom and experience he passed on to his boys are a treasure they will cherish forever. He was an incredible example to them of what it meant to work as unto the Lord. Jim was a true man of God. He had a servant’s heart and a great reverence for the Lord. He spent much time in prayer and devotions, reading God’s word and trusting Him for provision. He was part of a men’s group at Abundant Life Church and led a cell group there too. Jim taught Sunday School with his wife Dottie at Bahia Vista Mennonite and ALC. He spent time volunteering with little ones for the “Mom’s in touch” group. He emulated God’s love to people. Nothing was ever his own and he recognized that everything belonged to the Lord. He always put others before himself. His generosity and humility was greatly admired. He had such a gentle and caring heart. His humor always brought such a light to tough situations. Jim began learning his trade alongside his Father at a young age. Through the years he grew in his love for carpentry, leading to his skill as a master carpenter. He started working for Pat Ball Construction shortly after getting married. He worked on numerous historical restoration projects including The “Ca-Da Zon”, known as The John Ringling House. He also worked on other areas of the Ringling Estate. He brought restoration to the historical Spanish Point in Venice, FL. Jim worked for many homes and businesses across the Sarasota/Bradenton area. He served his clients with various types of work including windows, doors, framing, trim, drywall, painting, plumbing, siding, fencing and roofing. Jim took pride in his craftsmanship. He strived to leave a lasting impression on the job. He demonstrated love and patience on the worksite, even when things were challenging. He didn’t take shortcuts and was always determined to find a solution and fix the problem to the best of his ability. His commitment to his clients were truly outstanding. He treated them with the same love and care as his own family. He stayed very busy in his work and was loved by many, not only for the quality of his work but the undeniable loving person that he was and the way he showed up. Jim’s talents did not stop in the workshop. He also shared a joy for cooking with his wife and grilling for his family. It was truly one of his love languages. He spent much of his time in the kitchen preparing meals and making all types of cuisines. Family gatherings and holidays meant so much to Jim as he loved seeing his family join around the dinner table to laugh, listen and share life together. This time with his family was sacred to him. He always looked forward to his wife’s beautiful baking and desserts afterward. In 2014, Jim was promoted to “Papa” and welcomed his first Grandson, Kaiden into the world. He spent hours rocking and singing to him around the house as Kaiden navigated colic as a baby. He always stepped in to help and support however he could. Again in 2016, he welcomed his 2nd Grandson, Josiah to the world. Finally in 2019, he met his first Granddaughter, Eliana. Even after long days of work, Jim would get down on the floor and play with them for hours. Reading stories, building towers, playing cars, cracking jokes, coloring and swinging on the family swing in the yard. They enjoyed watching veggie tales together with some popcorn. He loved cooking with them and taught them some of his culinary skills. One of their favorites was making pancakes. Having the boys in the woodshop alongside him was also something he really treasured. Shirk Family Relations Preceded by Mervin F and Melba (Breneman) Shirk - Parents Rachel Marie Shirk – Stillborn Sister Survived by Hazel Shirk – Step Mother Dorothy Shirk -Wife Ryan Shirk -Son Alex Shirk -Son (Grace Shirk) Merlin Shirk -Brother Dorothy Weaver - Sister (Benjamin Weaver) David Shirk -Brother (Laura Shirk) Kaiden -Grandson Josiah -Grandson Eliana -Granddaughter Barth Family Relations Preceded by Dewey N. Barth -Father in Law Carol J. Barth -Mother in Law Survived by Debi Pippin -Sister in law (Bill Pippin) -Brother in law Dennis Barth -Brother in law ( Annette Barth) -Sister in law David Barth Brother in law (Linda Barth) -Sister in law Douglas Barth -Brother in law Darrin Brother in law (LoriLynn Barth) -Sister in law Many Nephews and Nieces Celebration of Life will be held on 4/24/2021 at Sarasota Community Church- 4041 Bahia Vista St. Sarasota, FL 34232. Visitation @ 10:30am-11:30am, Service @ 11:30. Lunch to Follow in the fellowship hall. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shirk Family Support Fund at https://gofund.me/78aba628 or to the 360 Church missions field. Memories and condolences may be left online at www.MFHcares.com.

James Roy Shirk

July 5, 1959 - April 3, 2021