Obituaries

James William Shirk, 64

August 03, 2023

James William Shirk, 64, of Lancaster, PA went to be with his Heavenly Father on the evening of Thursday, August 3rd after a brief battle with cancer. He passed peacefully surrounded by his loved ones and care team.

James was a long-time employee of High Industries, Inc. and celebrated his 45th year of service in September 2022 after recording over 2.5 million Safe Miles in his career. Known to his coworkers as Jimmy or “Jamesway”, he formed many meaningful friendships at High’s and enjoyed researching the history of the destinations he traveled to. He also enjoyed spending time with his children and, more specifically, his three grandchildren who brought him tremendous joy.

He is preceded in death by his father, William Shirk of Maine. He will be missed by his mother, Lorrie Garman, his stepmother, Wanda Shirk, his two sisters, Evelyn Fouts and Esther Leicy, his half-brother Shawn Shirk and half-sister Dawn Shirk Keser, his son, Michael Shirk married to Stephanie Shirk, his daughter, Erin Smucker married to Burnie Smucker, along with his three grandchildren.

His family wishes to thank the staff of Abbeyville Skilled Nursing and Rehab Center and the Promedica Hospice team of York for their compassionate care and support.

A viewing for family and friends will be held from 9:30am – 11:00am on Wednesday, August 9th, at Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home & Crematory, 2421 Willow Street Pike, Willow Street, PA 17584, followed by a memorial service at the home. A private graveside service for family will be held at Conestoga Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Blessings of Hope, P.O. Box 567, Ephrata, PA 17522.

Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page

Condolences to the Family

August 10, 2023

My condolences to Mike and Erin and their families. Jim helped raise two wonderful kids. I am Jim’s oldest sister in Minnesota. I was not able to travel to Pa. this summer. I will miss Jim and our phone chats. We loved to discuss books, travel and history. Thank you to all his High truck driver friends for all the love you have shown to Jim! Evelyn Fouts

August 10, 2023

We wish to express our sympathy to the family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Gene & Sara Kutz

August 09, 2023

I did not have the pleasure of knowing Mr. Shirk, but I am a friend and co-worker of his son Mike. I hold Mike in the highest regard and know that good people don’t happen by accident. I want to thank Mr. Shirk for the family and friends he influenced and who continue to make our world a better place.
Mark Plaugher

August 09, 2023

I had the pleasure of working with Jimmy for roughly 16 years and knew him long before that. He was a great guy to work with and travel with, and always had very interesting conversations along the way! I never met a person who had the memory capacity that that man had and interests in history and things from the past . He remembered peoples birthdays and family members from just about everyone that he worked with. He was one of a kind and will surely be missed here! I knew Jimmy was at peace and was ready to go home! RIP my friend . Dave Madonna

August 08, 2023

Rest in peace my old friend I think back on all the good time when Darryl, Mark, you and I would run around together in our younger days. Those memories will always be in my mind when I think of you.
Don Mull

August 07, 2023

Prayers for the family!
Dena Palacios

August 07, 2023

So surprised and very sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. Sending our deepest condolences to Mike, Erin, and families on the loss of your father. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Dave & Pam Schwebel

August 07, 2023

It was a privilege these last few months my friend
I’ll miss you
Lee

August 07, 2023

It was so sad to hear of Jim’s passing. He was the best man in our wedding 40 years ago. How quickly those years fly by. I also remember Jim carrying his Bible down the hallways of our school. His boldness to take a stand for Christ made an impression on me as a teen. Rest in His arms now Jim. Our condolences to the family. Mark & Darlyne Walton

August 07, 2023

Mike, I pray God’s peace upon you and your family as you grieve the death of you dad. Please accept my sincerest condolences.
Much love from your CMS collegues,especially the SIS team.
Ruth

August 05, 2023

We are praying for Jim’s family during the difficult days ahead. We attend church with him for a few years in Ephrata.
Victor and Joanne Milasus

Services: Wednesday, August 09, 2023; 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM; Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home; 2421 Willow Street Pike; Willow Street, PA 17543
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >