LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Nevada District Court Judge Jim C. Shirley has died, and the governor has ordered flags to be flown half-staff in his honor.
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo said the flags of the United States and the State of Nevada will be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset Thursday in honor of Judge Shirley and his service to the State.
“Judge Shirley was a deeply respected judge and community leader, and Donna and I send our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who were fortunate to know and work alongside him,” Lombardo said Wednesday. “Judge Shirley was a tremendous Nevadan, and in honor of his life and legacy, all flags in Nevada will be lowered to half-staff tomorrow from sunrise to sunset.”
The Supreme Court of Nevada also released a statement following his passing. The court says Shirley started his career in 2015 in the Sixth Judicial District Court and then continued his service after the creation of the Eleventh Judicial District in 2021.
“The Nevada Judiciary is saddened to announce the passing of the Honorable Judge Jim C. Shirley, who served with distinction as District Court Judge for Nevada’s Eleventh Judicial District which is comprised of Lander, Mineral and Pershing Counties,” officials with the Supreme Court of Nevada said. “His tenure was marked by a profound commitment to the rule of law and to the communities he served.”
Officials say he was born in Pioche, Nevada and earned his Juris Doctorate from Creighton School of Law in Nebraska. He was serving as deputy district attorney in Pershing County and then was later elected as district attorney.
“Judge Shirley was a pillar of our judicial community, but more than that, he was a true gentleman and a wonderful friend to so many of us who were privileged to know him,” said Nevada Supreme Court Chief Justice Douglas Herndon. “He deeply loved Nevada, and his wisdom, compassion, and dedication touched countless lives. He will be profoundly missed, and our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.”
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