James William “Jim” Sheridan, age 101, of Shelby, died early Sunday morning, October 11, 2026 at Ontario Estates.
Jim was born July 7, 1925 in Shelby, the son of the late Fred and Cora (Reedy) Sheridan. In 1940, at just 15 years old, Jim joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and worked at Yellowstone National Park. In 1944, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving his country during World War II. Stationed in the Pacific, Jim served on the islands of Tinian and Saipan as part of the 18th Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion before being honorably discharged in 1946.
Following his military service, Jim began working at Wilkins Air Force Depot in Shelby as a head crane operator. After the depot closed, he continued his government career at NASA’s Plum Brook Station in Sandusky, where he worked as a crane operator handling equipment for the Atlas and Centaur space programs. He retired in 1974 following 32 years of government service. In retirement, Jim also worked part-time for Jennings Concrete in Shelby and Willard.
In June 1947, Jim married Florence Tindale, and they were married 49 years before her death in June 1996. On October 23, 1998, he married Shirley Ann (Studer) Whisler at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Shelby. They enjoyed nearly 28 years of marriage before her death on May 28, 2026.
Jim was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Shelby, the Shelby American Legion, and the St. Francis 55 Plus Club in Willard. He enjoyed playing golf and card and spending time with his family, especially the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jim also had a fondness for animals and enjoyed feeding the birds and squirrels.
Although Jim and Florence had no children, his marriage to Shirley brought three daughters and their families into his life. Jim welcomed them as his own and developed close relationships with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. He loved his family, and they certainly loved him in return. Jim is survived by his daughters: Peg Thornton of Galion, Becky (Lee) Wilkins of Shelby, and Lori (John) Switzer of Jacksonville, FL; grandchildren: Scott (Michelle) Thornton, Amber VanHouten, Brittany (Aaron) Shumate, Heath Wilkins (Jackie Barker), Chad Wilkins (Jaime Roush), Jennifer (Alec) Covington, Carl James “CJ” (Monica) Switzer, Stephanie (Jordan) Berman, and Lori Sue Switzer (Vanessa Young); 18 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.
In addition to his parents and wives, Florence and Shirley, Jim was preceded in death by his siblings: Frederick Sheridan, Albert Sheridan, Ruth Alt, Bernadette Kuhn, Esther Kinstle, Mary Moorehead, Edward Sheridan, and Gerald Sheridan; son-in-law: Carl Thornton; and grandson: Michael Switzer.
Family and friends are welcome on Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 10-11 am at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at 11:30 am at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 29 West Street, Shelby with Fr. Chris Mileski celebrating. Burial will follow in the Oakland Cemetery in Shelby with military honors provided by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail. Memorial contributions may be made to SouthernCare Hospice via Gentiva Foundation.
For those unable to attend in person, Jim’s Funeral Mass will be live streamed via Penwell Funeral Home’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome). Condolences may also be left on their Facebook page or website (PenwellFuneralHome.com)
Funeral Home: Penwell Funeral Home
Website: www.PenwellFuneralHome.com