Jim Shirk Family Support
Donation protected
It is with great sadness that our beloved Jim is no longer with us. In March, Jim was diagnosed with COVID and later COVID pneumonia. Jim fought his hardest at home until he knew he required more help. He was taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital and was later sent home only to return again for an extended stay. While there, Jim fought his very best fight. He expressed his heart and passion for his family over FaceTime, claiming he wasn't done making memories with his family and his beloved grandchildren.
Jim's body and lungs were getting weaker throughout his stay and was eventually given the option to try the ventilator. He agreed to 7 days on the ventilator. After the 7 days his kidneys began to fail. Running out of options, our family made the very difficult decision to respect Jim's wishes regarding his treatment and quality of life. He wanted to be free from life sustaining machines, tubes and possible dialysis. After a few phone calls to the nurse's station, our family was allowed to come up and say our goodbyes.
Accompanied by our Pastor, we arrived to the COVID ICU floor. We put on our special masks, eye shields, gowns and gloves with eagerness to see him. As we entered his room, our hearts broke at the sight of him. We knew this was not what Jim had wanted. With all our love and tears, we shared our precious words to him and prayed him through to his eternal home in God's Kingdom. We take comfort knowing he is with his loving Lord and savior, Jesus Christ.
As the world carries on, it's as if there's a cornerstone missing in our family. Learning how to live without him feels so strange. Looking around our home, he is everywhere. The things he built, the time and work he has invested for his family is so evident. His love shines greatly. We had our first family dinner without him this past Easter. As we took our seats at the table, we could not ignore the heavy grief we felt as we looked over at the head of the table, seeing his empty chair. Though we miss him so much, our hearts are reminded of the feast he is joining at the Lord's table.
The financial weight of Jim's absence is being felt as he was sick and out of work for an entire month. Jim's beloved wife, Dottie is now facing hardship in this area. She is doing her best to take over the household finances but needs help to get back on track. She has numerous expenses piling up around her. If you feel led, please donate to the family's fund to alleviate the weight and stress from the loss of her husband. We are so thankful for our incredible family and friends that surround us during life's unprecedented times. Your prayers and thoughtfulness mean so much. Your love is truly felt.
Jim's body and lungs were getting weaker throughout his stay and was eventually given the option to try the ventilator. He agreed to 7 days on the ventilator. After the 7 days his kidneys began to fail. Running out of options, our family made the very difficult decision to respect Jim's wishes regarding his treatment and quality of life. He wanted to be free from life sustaining machines, tubes and possible dialysis. After a few phone calls to the nurse's station, our family was allowed to come up and say our goodbyes.
Accompanied by our Pastor, we arrived to the COVID ICU floor. We put on our special masks, eye shields, gowns and gloves with eagerness to see him. As we entered his room, our hearts broke at the sight of him. We knew this was not what Jim had wanted. With all our love and tears, we shared our precious words to him and prayed him through to his eternal home in God's Kingdom. We take comfort knowing he is with his loving Lord and savior, Jesus Christ.
As the world carries on, it's as if there's a cornerstone missing in our family. Learning how to live without him feels so strange. Looking around our home, he is everywhere. The things he built, the time and work he has invested for his family is so evident. His love shines greatly. We had our first family dinner without him this past Easter. As we took our seats at the table, we could not ignore the heavy grief we felt as we looked over at the head of the table, seeing his empty chair. Though we miss him so much, our hearts are reminded of the feast he is joining at the Lord's table.
The financial weight of Jim's absence is being felt as he was sick and out of work for an entire month. Jim's beloved wife, Dottie is now facing hardship in this area. She is doing her best to take over the household finances but needs help to get back on track. She has numerous expenses piling up around her. If you feel led, please donate to the family's fund to alleviate the weight and stress from the loss of her husband. We are so thankful for our incredible family and friends that surround us during life's unprecedented times. Your prayers and thoughtfulness mean so much. Your love is truly felt.
Organizer and beneficiary
Grace Shirk
Organizer
Sarasota, FL
Dorothy Shirk
Beneficiary