March 27, 1967 – October 15, 2025
The Honorable James “Jim” C. Shirley, respected jurist, devoted father, and friend to many
across rural Nevada, passed away on October 15, 2025. He was 58.
Judge Shirley served with distinction as District Court Judge for Nevada’s Eleventh Judicial
District, which includes Lander, Mineral, and Pershing Counties. His judicial career reflected a
lifelong commitment to fairness, integrity, and public service, qualities that earned him the trust
of both his colleagues and the communities he served.
Born in Pioche, Nevada, Jim was the seventh of eight children of Ernest and Charleen Shirley.
His father served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, and his mother continues to
be a vibrant force in civic life. Raised in Vernal, Utah, Jim graduated from Uintah High School,
studied Spanish at Brigham Young University, and pursued general studies at Utah State
University before earning his Juris Doctorate from Creighton University School of Law in
Omaha, Nebraska, in 1994.
After several years in private practice, he moved to Lovelock, Nevada, where he began his long
career in public service. He joined the Pershing County District Attorney’s Office as Deputy
District Attorney in 2000 and was elected District Attorney in 2002. During his tenure, he
developed programs that supported local merchants and citizens while easing the burden on the
courts. He also served as a special prosecutor in Churchill, Humboldt, and Lander Counties and
was active in both the Nevada and National District Attorneys Associations.
Judge Shirley was elected to the Sixth Judicial District Court in 2014 and took the bench in 2015,
presiding over Humboldt, Lander, and Pershing Counties. Following legislative redistricting that
same year, he presided over the creation of the newly formed Eleventh Judicial District, where he
remained until his passing. He presided over both civil and criminal cases and was known for his
compassion, patience, and meticulous understanding of the law.
In a statement recognizing his service, Nevada Supreme Court Chief Justice Douglas Herndon
said, “Judge Shirley was a pillar of our judicial community, but more than that, he was a true
gentleman and a wonderful friend to so many of us who were privileged to know him. He deeply
loved Nevada, and his wisdom, compassion, and dedication touched countless lives. He will be
profoundly missed.”
Judge Tom Stockard in the neighboring Churchill County, Tenth Judicial District Court said,
“Judge Shirley was a valued colleague and a great friend. He was one of the hardest-working
judges in the State and always treated people with kindness and respect. He will be greatly
missed.”
Friends and neighbors remembered Judge Shirley at a gathering in Lovelock on Saturday,
October 18, where stories of his humor, kindness, and quiet strength were shared.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 10 a.m. (Mountain Time) at the
Jensen LDS Chapel, 8775 East 6000 South, Jensen, Utah. Interment will follow at Vernal
Memorial Park, 1700 South Vernal Avenue, Vernal, Utah.
Judge Shirley is father to four sons Scot, Robert, Jameson, and Benjamin, and the grandfather to
his granddaughter Catalina.
He made his home in Lovelock, Nevada, where he cherished the rural lifestyle and the people he
served. His life and work stand as a testament to the values of service, family, and faith that
defined him.
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