James (Jim) Gordon Sheehy, a respected Navy veteran, engineer, and devoted family man, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2025, in Redondo Beach, California. He was surrounded by family at the time of his death, which marked the end of a life filled with service, adventure, and love at the age of 84.
Born on March 9, 1941, in Windsor, New York, Jim was the son of James Edward Sheehy and Shirley Baldwin Sheehy. He was preceded in death by his siblings Terry, Paul, Annine, Brian, Susan, and Burchard. Jim leaves behind his wife of sixty years, Alexis; his children, James and Shannon; his grandson, Matthew; and his brother, Dennis.
Jim’s service in the United States Navy from 1960 to 1966 profoundly shaped his character. He attained the rank of E-6 as a Fire Control Technician and served aboard several ships, including the USS Lawrence, USS Chicago, USS Ramsey, USS Columbus, and USS Talbot. His military experience instilled a lifelong sense of discipline and pride in service.
After his naval career, Jim transitioned to aerospace engineering, where he made significant contributions to both space exploration and national defense. He worked with notable organizations, including Burroughs Corporation, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Honeywell, and Northrop. His involvement in high-profile projects, such as the Viking Mars spacecraft and the MX ICBM Missile programs, showcased his technical expertise and commitment to innovation.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Jim was a dedicated member of Rotary International for sixteen years, demonstrating his passion for community service. He also celebrated 38 years of continuous sobriety in September 2025 as an active participant in Alcoholics Anonymous, where he embraced the principles of Recovery, Unity, and Service.
Jim’s adventurous spirit was evident in his extensive travels. Alongside his wife, he explored all seven continents, visiting 103 countries and more than 500 cities. Despite facing health challenges, including a severe back condition that developed in 2012, Jim refused to let limitations define his life. He adapted by using a walker, which he later upgraded to a “sport walker.” Remarkably, he completed the 2015 Los Angeles Marathon and went on to finish another five marathons with his sport walker.
Jim will be remembered for his intelligence, perseverance, and generosity. His dedication to family and friends, along with his adventurous spirit, left a lasting impact on those who knew him. He lived a life full of experiences, service, and love, and his absence will be deeply felt by many.
