James Cameron Mcshirley

James Cameron McShirley, 66, resident of Rural Middletown/Sulphur Springs, passed away October 11, 2021 at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis.  He was born in New Castle, January 18, 1955 the son of John Victor and Mary Sears McShirley.

Jim was brilliant, forward-thinking, intuitive, and imaginative.  Often seeing things in ways that others would never have considered.  His interests ranged from playing trombone to playing semi-professional baseball.  From planting both vegetables and flowers, to running marathons.  From being an expert in rock music to also loving his aunt's excellent classical piano playing.  He understood and studied international markets, becoming a recognized and accomplished analyst in lumber markets and the gold and precious metals market.  One of the greatest highlights for him AND for his audience was at the Savoy Hotel in London where he was asked to speak at the International Gold Conference of that year.

Known for his "wicked" curve ball when he played baseball at Shenandoah, many would also say he was known for his "wicked" sense of humor.  Jim always had a pun, a joke, a quip on the tip of his tongue.  He loved to laugh and enjoyed lifting up another's day.

Jim was also an artist. His canvas was his property "Notre Paradis" (which means "Our Heaven"). His paints are lighting, windows and trees; his paintbrushes are hammers, nails and boards.  Often a delightful new project was percolating in his creative mind, and it was always exciting to see completion. Tree-lined walkways and lighted paths, unique and beautiful structures, a glimpse into the mind and soul and heart of Jim.  Stunning...Beautiful...Serene

Jim loved his family, his friends, and his home town, Sulphur Springs.  He was very proud of being the 3rd generation owner of Sulphur Lumber, that was started by his grandfather in 1936, 85 years of Excellence!

In 1990, he took Sulphur Lumber from a well-respected smalltown operation into a booming business that has built over 10,000 new homes in the last 30 years.  Sulphur Lumber was recognized and awarded with many honors through Jim's years at the helm, including being named National Home Center of the year in an important lumbar industry magazine.

He is survived by his wife, Vicki (Johnson) McShirley of Sulphur Springs; children, Cheyenne (Alex) Badger of Carmel, Andrew McShirley of Pennsylvania, Sebastion (Haleigh) Crider of New Castle and Benjamin (Sarah) Crider of Bluffton, S.C; grandchildren, William and Thomas Crider and Violet Badger and a brother JV (Noname) McShirley; several cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, October 16, 2021, at the Sulphur Springs Christian Church with Pastor C.J. Buskirk officiating.  Burial will follow in Miller Cemetery, Middletown.  Services have been entrusted to Ballard and Sons Funeral Home in Middletown. Friends may call on Friday, October 15, 2021 at the church from 4-8 pm. Memorial contributions may be sent to Jefferson Township Fire Department and Sulphur Springs Christian Church.  You may express condolences or share a memory of Jim at www.ballardandsons.com