A.J. 'Jim' Shirtliff, 81

A.J. "Jim" Shirtliff passed away Thursday, July 31, 2008, of natural causes at his home in Kalispell. He was born Dec. 23, 1926, in Plentywood, the son of Herbert and Florence Shirtliff.

Jim married Mae Rose Larson on April 29, 1945. The couple had three children. Jim lived and worked in Havre for many years before moving to Kalispell 36 years ago.

Jim worked for Buttrey's Furniture in Havre and Hillstead's Furniture in Kalispell until he retired. He loved the furniture business, once stating for the Daily Inter Lake that "part of the excitement of helping people choose furniture is my belief that one's home should be the happiest place to hang one's hat. It is where you should feel most comfortable, where your children are most secure and where you feel most significant - so I love helping people make their homes comfortable and cheerful."

People always commented on Jim's smile and his attitude toward life and work.

Jim considered Kalispell "the most beautiful place in the world." He always said, "Nothing compared with the grand scenery … the tremendous mountains … the beautiful lakes … wide open skies. It's a bit like Heaven, I suspect."

One of Jim's most memorable vacations was when he, Mae Rose and the Howard Taylors, of Havre, set out on their Harley-Davidson motorcycles on July 3, 1965, for Indianapolis to see the Indy 500. He always referred to the trip as his "two weeks on two wheels!"

Jim was a member of the Eagles and Elks and absolutely loved boating! In the last few years he had been restoring a 1948 boat with a wood hull.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mae Rose; his precious daughter, Tina Rae; his parents; two brothers; and one sister.

Jim is survived by his son, James Shirtliff, and wife, Christina, of Kalispell; his daughter, Carol Bailey, and husband, Howard, of Havre; his brother, Bob Shirtliff, and wife, Helen, of Kalispell; his brother, Ron Shirtliff, and wife, Gloria, of Kalispell; his sister, Darlene Christenson, and husband, Dione, of Thompson Falls; and his brother, Gary Shirtliff, and wife, Sandy, of Eugene, Ore. Grandchildren include Shannon Solomon of Havre, Kimberly Edwards of Havre, Gwho-ee Jackson of British Columbia, Tshe Jackson of British Columbia, and Nuci Jackson of California, Jim Dodson of Texas, and Chyneen Stringfellow of Texas.

Jim's sense of humor, smile and teasing will be so very missed.

At his request, no service will be conducted.

Memorials may be sent in A.J. "Jim" Shirtliff's memory to Grace Hospice, 1117 S. Main Street, Kalispell, MT 59901.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.