James “Jamie” Shirey, 84 of Howard, OH passed away on June 13, 2026, surrounded by his family after a short battle with cancer at Knox Community Hospital. He was born February 16, 1942 to Robert John and Roberta Pauline (Clough) Shirey in Toledo, OH.
James was a machinist for General Motors before his retirement. He was a US Army and Coast Guard Veteran. James was a member of the Mount Vernon Baptist Temple where he, on several occasions, served as a Deacon. He loved watching the birds on his feeders and was often heard making bird calls and was known at work as “Birdman”. The most important thing in James’ life was his profound faith in Jesus Christ and his family. We mourn for the loss of this wonderful man, with such a gentle soul, but we know that he awaits us and we will see him again because we have a loving and merciful God.
James is survived by the love of his life, Nancy (Belcher) Shirey; children James Jr. (Dawn) Shirey of Howard, OH, Robert (Arci) Shirey of Howard, OH, Lawrence (Lynne) Shirey of Toledo, OH, Anthony (Pam) Shirey of Northwood, OH and Amy (Thomas) Kemper of Toledo, OH; 12 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild; Siblings Frank Shirey, Diane (Lawrence) Conrad, Phillip (Jean) Shirey, Paul Shirey and Donald (Caroline) Shirey, sister-in-law Patricia (Lavender) Shirey and many extended family members.
James was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Robert Shirey Jr., Richard Shirey, Jeanine Case, Ralph Shirey, Jeannette Goins and a grandson Ryan Shirey.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2026 from 10:00am-11:00am at the Mount Vernon Baptist Temple, 21453 Floralwood Dr., Howard, OH 43028. Funeral services will be at 11:00am with pastors Joshua Lehman and Bill Fennell officiating. The following day, Friday, June 19, 2026 calling hours from 10:00am-11:00am at Wyldewood Baptist Church, 7947 Douglas Road, Lambertville, MI 48144. Funeral services at 11:00am with Bro. Ed McNeil Jr. Officiating. Graveside services will follow at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park, 4210 W. Central Avenue, Toledo, OH 43606.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Home
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com