James William Short Jr., avid fisherman, hunter
James “Shorty” William Short Jr., 58, passed away suddenly Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. He was born Nov. 10, 1965, in Wilmington, to James William Short Sr. and Caroline Mairs Short.
He grew up in Wilmington, where he graduated from Archmere Academy in 1984. He enjoyed his high school days by playing football and spending time with his close friends. In 1988, he graduated from Mount St. Mary’s College with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He enjoyed his work as a chief financial officer but was fulfilled by his time with his friends and family. He spent his most recent years living full time in his favorite place, Rehoboth Beach.
His affinity for water started at a young age inspired by his father. He grew up to become an avid fisherman and captain of his boat, Not Right, and a hunter as a member of Wandendale Hunt Club. One of his most recent accomplishments was captaining his boat to win a category in the 2020 White Marlin Open, Small Boat Division.
Jimmy made friends for life. He never missed a year without going to an Eagles game with The Archmere Gang and even agreed to make the trip north over the bridge just to join them for dinner every few months. While downstate, Jimmy was either at the barns with The Boys or at the Indian River Marina with his boating and fishing buddies.
Those that knew Jimmy, knew he only did things one way, his way. Despite his stubbornness, he was happiest being there for everyone, to help and work alongside those in need. Jimmy will be remembered by his friends and family as being the happiest on the water alongside his dog, Miller, or by spoiling his great-nieces and -nephews with endless candy.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his father, James Short Sr.; his sister, Sherri Eastburn; his infant brother, Thomas Short; and his dogs, Cosmo and Talley. He is survived by his devoted mother, Caroline Short; his loving partner, Page Holt (Casey and Connor Bell); his sisters, Lynn Iorii (Anthony), Cynde Andress (Steve Ademski) and Nancy Durney (Phil); as well as, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and his dog, Miller.
A viewing will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 4, at Parsell Funeral Homes, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes. Services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 5, at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 18 Olive Ave., Rehoboth Beach, where friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m. Entombment will follow at 2 p.m., at Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. DuPont Hwy., New Castle.
In lieu of flowers, Jimmy’s family asks that you consider a donation to Humane Animal Partners, 701 A St., Wilmington, DE 19801, humaneanimalpartners.org/give/give-now.
Visit Jimmy’s Life Memorial webpage and sign his virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
