James Leroy Shierk

James “Jim” L. Shierk, age 79, passed away on Friday, March 16, 2018. Jim was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to James F. and Roma (Lucas) Shierk. Jim spent much of his youth in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho swimming in the lakes and hiking in the nearby hills. His family then moved to Minnesota for a brief time, where he competed in track and field and basketball, and graduated from Pipestone High School. He served four years in the U.S. Navy and then married Lillian Cullen in Tacoma, WA. They were married for nearly 55 years. Jim was employed as a master technician at 3M/Imation Company for 33 years.

Jim and Lillian raised their young family in Tacoma, WA, then moved with their children to Gig Harbor, WA in 1976, where they spent the next 41 years.

Jim was an avid boater and enjoyed cruising in Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands and the Gulf Islands. He loved spending time on the water. He was a member of the Tacoma Yacht Club for 10 years and the Port Orchard Yacht Club for 20 years. Jim’s leisure time focus was always boats and boating. He was very knowledgeable about boat mechanics. In his retirement years, many of his days were spent with his yacht club friends working on boats and trading ideas. For years, Jim and his wife Lillian enjoyed the water and beaches of Cabo San Lucas on their annual trips to Mexico.

Jim was a loving father who supported his children with enthusiasm in their various sports and activities. He adored his older sisters, and always enjoyed family reunions in Eastern Washington and Idaho with his extended family. Family was very important to Jim.

Always willing to lend a hand, Jim was happy to help family, neighbors and friends with projects. He was a considerate person and valued family and friendships above all.

Jim is survived by his wife Lillian, three children, James Shierk, Jr., Lia Shierk (husband Gavin Gordon) and Christopher Shierk (partner Jessica Kopicki), 3 grandchildren, Ciera, Evan and Maeve, his sisters, Patricia Barber and Ramona Shierk, and many nephews and nieces.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Leroy Shierk, please visit our floral store.