James Alan Shriver

On Tuesday, December 14th, James Alan Shriver passed away peacefully at his home in Chandler, Arizona where he had resided for the past 35 years. Although we can’t be certain it was peaceful, as it’s likely he had some choice words for the Reaper, there was no sign of a struggle. We assume that his fighting spirit could no longer be contained in his mortal body. James was loved fiercely by his children who will carry with them the knowledge that there is a right way to count back change, sing the National Anthem, and enjoy a martini (shaken, not stirred).

James Alan entered the world on July 19, 1946 in Charles City, Iowa to Leona Mae and James William “Bill” Shriver. Two years later his younger brother and only sibling Robert Francis joined him. James, or Jimmy as his friends and family called him in childhood, was a loving son, average student (sorry dad, but we found your high school transcript), and always a bit of a troublemaker. His personal motto, “Ready, Fire, Aim” summed up his personality in three succinct words. He was an Airborne Army Ranger, a veteran of the Navy, and rounded out his military career as a Marine (but he was definitely not in the Air Force, he’d want you to know that). Perhaps most impressively, he taught Physical Education and Mathematics for twenty-five years in the Mesa Public School District. There was nothing that scared him, not even teenagers.

Early in his teaching career, his larger than life personality became lovingly referred to as “Sarge” by both students and staff alike. This alter ego came about easily as the student’s P.E. drills would evolve into singing cadence, just as he had done countless times as a drill sergeant. The name Sarge would serve as both a title and an explanation for who you were about to meet. As time passed, Sarge was less able to keep up with the demands of Physical Education and turned his entire focus to mathematics. His final years as an educator were spent in the classroom igniting the sparks of learning in his students by demonstrating a strong passion for what he was teaching. Although the moniker “Sarge” would remain with him throughout the rest of his days.

James had many interests and hobbies during his life but there were two that stood head and shoulders above the rest; beer and books. “Shrivers like beer” was a phrase the Shriver children learned at a very young age. He would crack open a Guinness, take a sip, then look at his gaggle of children and ask, “What do Shrivers like?” to which they would reply, in small high-pitched voices, “Beer!”

While beer was something he learned to enjoy in moderation, books remained an indulgence he never cared to temper. He read with a ferocity that was unmatched and consumed the written word as a starving man would consume a feast. He passed on his love of reading to his children, who always knew that if they asked for a book, they would have it. Even when they didn’t ask for a book and would have much rather received a video game, a book is what they got.

After retiring in 2011, James spent his days reading, watching British television, and calling his children to ask if they had seen any of the 3,457 shows he’d watched in the last week. In 2018 James made a lifelong dream come true and finally traveled to London with three of his children and their spouses. They spent two lovely weeks sight-seeing, visiting historical landmarks, and enjoying a frothy pint (or three) in a variety of pubs. James was right at home each morning with beans and toast for breakfast accompanied by the London Times and Spectator Magazine.

Left on this plane of existence to remember, cherish, and go through all five thousand of his books are his six children; Megan Vanessa, Hilary Ann, James Robert, Katie Marie, Victoria Margaret, and Christopher Steven.

Left to remember their grandfather as a wisecracking lover of chess are his ten grandchildren; Thomas David Richardson, Ada Margaret May, Ella Grace Marie, Riley Alan, Allisan Dixie Leona, Jack Holden, Henry James, Aden Christopher, Grayson William, and Finn Robert.

James goes to join his parents and brother in the great beyond. A Celebration of Life is being planned for February 12th at the home of his daughter, Hilary. Details to come.

You’re done dancing Dad.

Good night, sleep tight, and don’t let the bedbugs bite.