James R. Shurlow, age 63, of Clare, passed away on Friday, January 27, at MyMichigan Health in Midland. He was born the son of Dr. Elmer C. and Wilma (Moine) Shurlow on December 2, 1959, in Linz, Austria while his father was serving a residency in Austria. Jim was the President of his High School Class, graduating from Clare High School in 1978. He worked as an EMT for the Clare County Ambulance while studying to become a Respiratory Therapist. He went on to become Clare County’s first licensed Paramedic. He had worked in Michigan and Wisconsin for several Home Care Companies as a Respiratory Therapist. He eventually became a Department head in Hospital Administration at the University of Michigan Hospitals. In his “retirement” he had enjoyed “flipping burgers’ at McDonalds, working at Buccillis Pizza in Clare and most recently as an equipment hauler and driver for local Amish Contractors. He was a voracious reader.
Jim is survived by his children, Dr. James R. (Sara) Shurlow DO of Gaylord, and Sara (Wes) Lambier of LaSalle, Ontario, his mother, Wilma Shurlow-Phillips, , his Step-mother, MaryAnn Shurlow, both of Clare, his brother, Dr. Charles (Krista) Shurlow DO, of Beaver Creek, Oh., his step-brother, Brian (Jenny) David of Clare, step-sister Angela Mustafa, step-brother Dustin Phillips, 7 grandchildren, Madalyn, Breanna, Alissa, Harper, Hayden, Peyton, and Jozlyn, nephews Ryan and Austin Shurlow. He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. E.C. Shurlow DO, his infant son, Ryan Charles Shurlow, and his step-father Merle Phillips.
A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, February 6, 2023, at the Clare United Methodist Church at 12 Noon with Pastor Lane Van officiating. Friends may meet with his family at the church on Monday Feb. 6, from 10 AM until the time of services. Memorials in honor of Jim may be directed to the Clare County Animal Shelter. Funeral arrangements are by the Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Homes. An online condolence register is available at www.stephenson-wyman.com