James “Jim” Hubert Shirley
28 June, 1939 – 20 May, 2025
James Hubert Shirley (Jim) has passed away. He was born in Shaunavon Saskatchewan on June 28th, 1939.
He left the family farm and joined the Air Cadets at the age of 15. Four years later he was flying fighter planes in Germany for the RCAF; this is where he met his wife Jeannette (nee Delorme, Cornwall ON). They raised four children while living in various parts of Canada.
He had a distinguished career that included many important events such as escorting Russian Bear bombers out of Canadian airspace and being the leader of the Challenger fleet which transported the Canadian Prime Minister, Cabinet, and British Royal Family.
After retiring from the RCAF he worked for Transport Canada which led to a job in Australia where he received a National Award for his leadership of a team that modernized Australia’s management of its airspace.
He is predeceased by his parents Hubert Shirley (England) and Jean Malone (Scotland), his sister Agnus, his brothers William and Robert, his wife Jeannette, daughter Kimberly Murray (Ken Murray), son Michael Shirley. He is survived by his sons Robert Shirley and David Shirley (Anne-Marie), and grandchildren Erin Shirley, Leah Shirley, Alyson Shirley, and Kayden Murray.
He loved golfing, telling jokes, and having a dram of Scotch with friends. Please hoist a glass in memory of Jim.
Arrangements under the care and direction of Lahaie and Sullivan Funeral Home West Branch, 20 Seventh Street W, Cornwall, ON 613-932-8482.
Online messages of condolence may be made at www.dignitymemorial.com
28 June, 1939 – 20 May, 2025
He left the family farm and joined the Air Cadets at the age of 15. Four years later he was flying fighter planes in Germany for the RCAF; this is where he met his wife Jeannette (nee Delorme, Cornwall ON). They raised four children while living in various parts of Canada.
He had a distinguished career that included many important events such as escorting Russian Bear bombers out of Canadian airspace and being the leader of the Challenger fleet which transported the Canadian Prime Minister, Cabinet, and British Royal Family.
After retiring from the RCAF he worked for Transport Canada which led to a job in Australia where he received a National Award for his leadership of a team that modernized Australia’s management of its airspace.
He is predeceased by his parents Hubert Shirley (England) and Jean Malone (Scotland), his sister Agnus, his brothers William and Robert, his wife Jeannette, daughter Kimberly Murray (Ken Murray), son Michael Shirley. He is survived by his sons Robert Shirley and David Shirley (Anne-Marie), and grandchildren Erin Shirley, Leah Shirley, Alyson Shirley, and Kayden Murray.
He loved golfing, telling jokes, and having a dram of Scotch with friends. Please hoist a glass in memory of Jim.
Arrangements under the care and direction of Lahaie and Sullivan Funeral Home West Branch, 20 Seventh Street W, Cornwall, ON 613-932-8482.
Online messages of condolence may be made at www.dignitymemorial.com