Fairbanks, Alaska – John Michael Shirley, 60, passed away on Monday, November 28, 2022, in Fairbanks, Alaska, after a long battle with cancer. He was at home surrounded by his loving family.
John was born April 8, 1962, in Saint Louis, Mo, to Francis and Joann Shirley. He was the oldest of two children. Throughout his childhood he loved playing baseball, swimming, and the drums. He was very fond of his cousins Lynda and Rob. Being a military child, they moved around and eventually made their way to Fort Richardson, in Anchorage, Alaska in 1975.
In Anchorage he met his first wife Julie, and had two beautiful children, Stephen, and Tamara Shirley. In 2011 he moved to Fairbanks. Here in Fairbanks is where he met his life partner, Lisa Tacke. John and Lisa spent every possible moment together. They went on several memorable vacations. John knew no stranger.
He could sit down and strike up a conversation with anyone. He was a good listener, father, grandfather, companion, and friend. He will be missed by many.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Joann Shirley, father, Francis Shirley, and sister, Lisa Noftsger.
Celebration of Life will be held on Dec 12, 2022, at the Moose Lodge in Fairbanks, Alaska from 6pm-9pm.
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