Obituary of James Daniel Shilkett

We lost a very special person this week.  James D. Shilkett, Jim, died on March 26, 2021, at his home with his wife and best friend, Thirza, by his side. Predeceased by his son Philip, Jim is survived by his “adopted” sons, Philip’s band of childhood friends, whom he deeply loved.  For Jim, family had no boundaries.  He shared his love with such abundant generosity – when you came to know Jim, you were family.

Jim was a gentle soul and a man's man. He retired a Full Bird Colonel from the Army. He flew military helicopters, commanded others and lived with his heart on his sleeve. He was a father, husband, brother, uncle, grandfather, friend and many more things to the people he knew. He was full of love for his wife Thirza, family, friends, Corvettes and especially desserts. If you needed your day brightened, Jim was there to hand you a smile that made your day.

Always ready to go, Jim loved to travel.  From river boat journeys, to Caribbean cruises with friends, to driving the length Route 66 in his first Corvette, Jim’s trips with Thirza were not just about places to see, but were adventures they shared with friends, old and new.  His quick wit and love of pranks guaranteed raucous laughter along the way.  At the same time, Jim was a man of quiet compassion.  He was a gentle observer and thoughtful listener, careful in his wisdom and kind.  So often he noticed a need and reached out to help.

Jim left us slowly, and then he was gone.  Yet, he left us treasures in our memories.  We invite you to weave with us the story of Jim – that vignette, that story, that “I remember when we .…”  Together, let us celebrate Jim.

If you would like to make a gift in Jim’s memory, please consider St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, Backpack Buddies Program, 201 E. Frederick Dr., Sterling, VA  20164 (https://secure.accessacs.com/access/oglogin.aspx?sn=111141) or Sterling Fire and Rescue, 46700 Middlefield Dr., Sterling, VA 20165 (https://www.sterlingrescue.org/content/fund/).