Obituary: James Robert Shortt

James Robert Shortt

James Robert Shortt

June 8, 1945 - August 27, 2010"Cowboy Jim"James was taken home by our loving Lord on Aug. 27, 2010. Born in Oakland, Calif., Jim moved to Prescott in 2007. He quickly fell in love with the peacefulness and beauty that is Prescott. Cowboy Jim fondly referred to his home as "God's Country." Jim enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at the young age of 17. He was a driven young man who was eager to serve his country. While stationed in Yuma, Ariz., at MCAS, Jim met the love of his life, Paula Tello. The two wed later while he was stationed in North Carolina. Jim became a proud father to Roseanna, Robert and Robin. He raised his family in Roseville, Calif.Jim studied hard at Sierra Community College and California State University Sacramento. He had a love for learning and a sharp mind. At Southern Pacific Railroad, Jim worked his way up from clerk to Locomotive Engineer. After retiring from SPRR, Jim spent time with his mother, children and grandchildren. He felt a longing to immerse himself in God's countryside. Jim picked up his cowboy hat and traveled to Colorado before settling in Prescott. He loved the serenity of the outdoors, visiting with buddies at the Northern Arizona VA hospital campus, and Tony's Place in Prescott Valley. Jim enjoyed being involved in the VA activities in his richly patriotic town.Jim was preceded in death by his parents, John Paul Shortt and Anna Mae Copeland Shortt, sister Athena Drake and nephew Ricky Hammerton. He is survived by his wife, Paula; children Roseanna (Marco) Sanchez, Robert Shortt, and Robin (Carlos) Parra; he was blessed with nine grandchildren, Carlos, Cesar, Nicholas, Charisma, Lorenzo, Chrymsin, Diego, Francisco and Angel. Jim was also survived by his sisters, Barbara (Rick) Harr and Linda (Bob) Wasserman. He will be remembered for always reminding his family to "stop and smell the roses," and to enjoy the blessing of spending time with family. Jim was kind to those in need and always had a lively story to tell. The Bee Gees, Eric Clapton, The Doors, Diana Krall and Elvis Presley were some of his favorite artists. Jim wore his heart on his sleeve. He will be missed by his family and friends each and every day. A visitation will be 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 2, 2010, at Sunrise Funeral Home in Prescott Valley, Ariz. Friends and family are invited to attend. A celebration of life service will be at St. Rose Catholic Church in Roseville, Calif., at a later date. Please visit www.sunrisefuneralhome.com to sign James' online guestbook.Services entrusted to Sunrise Funeral.Information provided by survivors.

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