James “Bit” R. Shirley, 77, passed away on September 23, 2017. Born in Montgomery, AL on December 29, 1939. James moved to Jacksonville, FL from Chattanooga, TN in 2003. He loved his job and retired from Norfolk Southern Railway as a Railroad Engineer. James loved the Lord, and was a member of Fruit Cove Baptist Church in Saint Johns, FL. He also loved the outdoors, hiking the Appalachian Trail, and watching the trains at Folkston Funnel. James had a great sense of humor and a beautiful smile. James is survived by his loving wife, Joan; sons, James Shirley, Danny Shirley, and Kevin Frisbee; daughter, Dawn Heaton; grandchildren, Tyler, Hannah, Dixie, JT, Tony, and Buzz; as well as seven great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 14, 2017 in Oakwood Baptist Church, 4501 Bonny Oaks Dr, Chattanooga, TN 37416. Memorial contributions may be made to Vision 20/20 Fund at Fruit Cove Baptist Church, 501 FL-13, Saint Johns, FL 32259. Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, Jacksonville, FL. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025.
