Limerick - Thomas (TJ) Jesse Shirley, 40, of Limerick, Maine passed away unexpectedly at home on October 31, 2021.
TJ was born on April 21, 1981 in Dallas, Texas to Thomas Shirley and Kathy Davis. He was raised in Standish, Maine, but also spent time in Texas throughout his younger years.
He attended schools in Standish and graduated from Bonny Eagle High School in 2000. He was very athletic and played sports throughout school, including baseball and basketball.
After he graduated, he began working as a wireless communication Tower Technician and Climber. He loved climbing. He did it fearlessly and with joy. He worked very hard, working his way up from climber, to becoming a crew chief and eventually finding his way to management. He took great pride in his work, everything was done meticulously and with purpose. His career brought him to many different places. From the northern most border at Canada, to the Southern most border in Texas, working proudly with the US Border Patrol. He travelled all over and spent a great deal of time on the road, always working to provide the best for his beloved boys and loved ones.
TJ was a proud and loving father. He loved shoes and always had an awe inspiring collection. He took pride in his appearance and always looked so effortlessly handsome. He loved cars and kept them immaculate. If he was driving, he could get you there in half the time. He loved animals. TJ adored his two American Bulldogs Thor and Loki beyond words, they even had their own room in his home. He was a skillful craftsman who built things flawlessly, to perfection.
He was an artist, who could draw anything, with ease. He had absolutely beautiful penmanship, incredibly neat and most times he wrote in italic. He was very organized and tidy. He was very intelligent, both emotionally and intellectually. He exuded a gentle kindness and modesty that made it impossible not to adore and admire him. He was an amazing cook, who enjoyed shopping for and preparing delicious meals and specialities for his friends and family. He was selfless and would lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it, without pause or hesitation, even if they didn’t deserve it. He had a wonderful sense of humor with a deep, goofy belly laugh that was absolutely infectious. He gave the best hugs, huge and with true embrace. He had the most unforgettable smile, beautiful spirit and the purest heart of gold.
His best friend and kindred soul was his little sister Mary. They were Irish twins who were not only close in age, but shared an unmatchable bond together. They had an amazing, one of a kind connection that anyone could envy. TJ never failed to be the most protective and loving big brother. TJ and Mary were always together. As toddlers, who were always holding hands; As children, who played on the same sports teams; As teenagers, who shared many of the same friends and would hang out, more often than not, with each other. Through amazing highs and inevitable lows, they were always one another’s constant. They were each other’s rock. He loved his sweet, beautiful, amazing sister Mary beyond measure, which was so very evident and visible by all who knew him.
TJ is survived by his three children, his beloved sons Aidan Shirley of Texas and Jase and Jaxon Shirley of Maine. His father, Thomas S. Shirley and bonus Mom, Viola L. Shirley, of Standish, Maine. His best friend and sister, Mary K. Shirley and her children, his nephews Cole, Logan and Lucas, and niece Mia of Standish. His sister, Keri A. Day (Murphy), her daughter, Ella and husband Jeremy Day, of Standish, Maine. His sister, Jackie Harper and daughters Natalie, Ellie and KingsLee of Arkansas. His brother Robert Guinn and his children of Texas. He is also survived by many loving Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and friends. TJ was predeceased by his mother, Kathy Davis of Texas.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 6, at the Chad E. Poitras Funeral Home, 498 Long Plains Rd., Buxton. Visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. immediately followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m. Online condolences may be shared at: www.mainefuneral.com