Shirley E. James

A 1949 graduate of Warren High School, music was a great part of Shirley’s life. At the age of 14, she became the organist for her family’s rollerskating rinks in Warren, Sheffield, BradFord, PA, and the summer rink at Cuba Lake, NY. At the age of 15, Shirley was featured in Skate Magazine as the youngest roller-skating rink organist in the country. Later she taught organ lessons in her home to many students.

In 1980 the family purchased the Temple Theater building, and after two years of renovations, “Shirley’s Temple” opened for family roller skating. Shirley taught skating lessons to young and old and on Sunday evening “Adult Night”, played her wonderful style of music on her treasured Hammond organ. She cared for and watched over each young skater that came through the doors, many who became like family. In 1990, “Shirley’s Temple Shop”was opened next door to the rink, specializing in unique gifts and antiques.

Shirley was honored in 2008 as Business Person of the year. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church, a 50 plus member of the Order of the Eastern Star, a past member of the Kane Hospital Auxiliary, for whom she co-chaired many fundraising dances at the Kane Country Club and at Shirley’s Temple. After her retirement, Shirley created over 100 beautifully knitted afghans for family, friends and charity fundraisers.

“The greatest joy in my life was my beloved husband and family.” Along with “Jesse”, Shirley was joyously greeted in Heaven by three of her grandchildren, Tiera Linn Asel, Edgar D. James III and Adam Paul DeSio; her two brothers, John and Robert Evan, and sister-in-law, Joyce Evan.

Shirley is survived by her son, Edgar D. (Tamie) James, Jr., three daughters, Becky (Bryant) Lucia, Kathy (Jerry) DeSio, and Laurie Farnsworth (Rick Young, Jr.); one sister, Doris Hungiville, and one sister-in-law, Diane Evan. Also, her cherished grandchildren, Tonia (Dean) Kaufman, Travis (Allison) Asel, Trisha (Brian) Wright, Tessa (Tom) Boschert, Jessica (Matt) James-McGuire, Amanda (Chris) DeSio-Whitehouse, Allie (Alex) Fadenholz, Joe (Cher) Farnsworth, Kasey (Mike) Dales, and step granddaughter, Jocelyn Lucia. Also surviving are her precious great-grandchildren, Raisa, whom took such special and gentle care of her “Big Nana”, Rainee, Rosstan, Raegan, Trevor, Tysin, Terin, Mackenzie, Edgar, Elle, Addison, Jack, Ben, Sam, Aria, Stella, Natalie, Landen, Blake, and step great grandchildren, Ryton, Camille, Nic and Rose.

Friends will be received at the Cummings Funeral Home on Saturday (Dec. 17) from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 with Cherie Booth, niece of Shirley, officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Kane Cemetery Association for their continued efforts in restoring the Historic Forest Lawn Cemetery, c/o Tiffany Danielson, 293 Old Mill Road, Kane, PA

Online condolences can be expressed at www. cummingsfh.com.