James Samuel Shirley

Mr. James Samuel Shirley departed this life at the age of 94 years -old on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones, Sam was born on April 27, 1932 in Mt. Airy, Ga to Amanda Wise and Eugene Shirley. Sam (as he was affectionately called) attended Beulah Rucker Industrial School and Fair Street School in Gainesville, Georgia. He enlisted and served in the United States Army. He worked at New Holland Mill and Chicopee Manufacturing for over 37 years, retiring as a tenet operator. To the union of James S. Shirley and Jennie Lee Dukes, five children, Sandra, Angelia, David, Harold and James were born. At an early age he became a member of First Baptist Church, Gainesville. Sam’s greatest role in life was that of a wonderful family man. Loving his entire family to the highest height, he provided undying love, protection and guidance to all of them. He would give all that he had to give while insisting that “everyone should go to work and take care of yourself and learn to keep some money in your pockets”. His passion for “loving on” and spending time with his grand kids, great, great-great grands encompassed much of his later life. His children constantly referred to him as the rock and glue of their family. In the community and among his friends he will always be remembered as a jokester full of joy and laughter at any given moment on any occasion. Sam is preceded in death by his loving wife Jennie, parents Eugene Shirley and Amanda Shirley Keith, brother Robert Shirley and sister Lou Jean (Arthur)Jones; brother-in-law, Bobby Dukes and sister-in-law, Marie Kirk. Loving memories of Mr. Shirley will be cherished by his daughters, Sandra Phillips, Angelia Wayman, Gainesville, Ga.; sons, David Lee (Debora) Shirley, Harold Shirley, Lawrenceville, Ga., James A. Shirley, Gainesville, Ga.; 9 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; 15 great-great grandchildren; sisters, Deborah Mack, Gainesville, Ga., Linda Faye Webb, Anchorage, Alaska, and Connie (Donnie) Sosebee, Gainesville, Ga.; brother, Victor(Deborah)Keith, Winder, Ga.; sisters-in-law, Lillie Summerour, Gussie Dukes, Betty Dukes, Gainesville, Ga.; close friend, James Osborne; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

James Samuel Shirley

April 27, 1932 - August 11, 2026