James (Jim) Gordon Sheehy, a cherished husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 16, 2025, in Redondo Beach, California. He was 84 years old. Jim was not only a devoted family man but also a distinguished Navy veteran and a prominent aerospace engineer known for his contributions to space exploration and national defense.
Early Life and Navy Service
Born on March 9, 1941, in Windsor, New York, Jim was the son of James Edward Sheehy and Shirley Baldwin Sheehy. He grew up alongside his siblings, including Terry, Paul, Annine, Brian, Susan, and Burchard, all of whom preceded him in death. Jim is survived by his wife of sixty years, Alexis; his children, James and Shannon; his grandson, Matthew; and his brother, Dennis.
Jim served in the United States Navy from 1960 to 1966, achieving the rank of E-6 as a Fire Control Technician. His service included time aboard several ships, such as the USS Lawrence, USS Chicago, USS Ramsey, USS Columbus, and USS Talbot. This experience fostered in him a lifelong sense of discipline and pride in serving his country.
A Distinguished Career and Community Service
After his military service, Jim embarked on a successful career as an aerospace engineer. He worked with esteemed organizations including Burroughs Corporation, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Honeywell, and Northrop. Jim played a pivotal role in significant projects like the Viking Mars spacecraft and the MX ICBM Missile programs, earning recognition for his technical expertise and commitment to excellence.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Jim dedicated sixteen years to Rotary International, where he embraced the organization’s values of service and community. He was also a member of Alcoholics Anonymous, celebrating an impressive 38 years of continuous sobriety in September 2025. His active participation in AA reflected his commitment to the core principles of Recovery, Unity, and Service.
Beyond his career and community involvement, Jim was an avid traveler. Together with Alexis, he explored all seven continents, visiting over 103 countries and more than 500 cities. His adventurous spirit and eagerness to learn from different cultures were hallmarks of his character.
Challenges arose in 2012 when Jim developed a serious back condition. Rather than allow it to limit his life, he adapted by using a walker, enabling him to continue traveling and engaging in daily activities. In a remarkable display of determination, Jim completed the 2015 Los Angeles Marathon using a specialized sport walker, ultimately finishing five marathons in total.
Jim Sheehy will be remembered for his intelligence, perseverance, and unwavering generosity. His deep devotion to family and friends, combined with his adventurous spirit, left a lasting impact on those who knew him. He lived a life full of purpose, traveled extensively, served his country honorably, and loved deeply. His absence will be profoundly felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
