JACK WILLIAM SHIRLEY*

(1929-2004)

Jack Shirley was an outstanding geologist who gave generously of his time and service to others in both his professional and private life. His dedication to the profession began when he joined the Lafayette Geological Society in the early fifties.  He later became involved with GCAGS activities and served as the Transactions Assistant Editor in 1966, as Editor in 1974, as Treasurer in 1980-1981 and was on the GCAGS Liaison Committee in 1980.  He again was an Assistant Editor of the GCAGS Transactions in 1990 and chaired the Poster Committee at the 1999 GCAGS Convention in Lafayette.  In 2002 Jack chaired one of the most successful Society of Independent Earth Science (SIPES) Conventions in the history of the organization.  For his effort and his long-time service to SIPES, the Lafayette Chapter of SIPES honored Jack by establishing a scholarship in his name.

This is a short list of the many accomplishments Jack Shirley was known for.  The list continues with contributions of his time, talent and treasure to the AAPG, the Rotarians, his local church and others.  While serving as a Rotarian Jack held numerous positions both locally and internationally.  He received the highest service awards from both and his church embraced him as a Presbyterian Ordained Elder, a Church School Superintendent and a Lay Minister. 

Jack was born in Oklahoma City in May of 1929, graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a B.S. in Geology and served in the U.S. Army as an Explosive’s Ordnance Disposal Officer from 1951-1953.  He later joined CONOCO in 1954 and then the Marr Company as a geologist in 1957 and worked his way up to an Exploration Senior Executive.  By 1984 Jack became an independent consulting geologist and over the years made significant contributions to a dozen South Louisiana Oil & Gas Fields. 

Ever helpful, cheerful, attentive and tireless we dedicate this Jack Shirley Memorial Scholarship to a great and gentle man.

*  This article was abbreviated by Jim Gamble from the 2006 GCAGS Transactions Dedications article published by Frank Harrison Jr. Pg  V