Ira James Joseph Shorter

Ira James Joseph Shorter was born January 23, 1974, to Ira and Magdalene Shorter. He spent his childhood in Pomona, California, where he was surrounded by a loving family and supportive friends.

On January 8, 1994, in Norco, California, he chose to be baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. In 1996, he moved to Brooklyn, New York and began serving as a volunteer at the World Headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

The next six and a half years at Brooklyn Bethel and then Wallkill, shaped him in profound ways and influenced the rest of his life. The people he met and worked with, the things he saw and learned, and the many experiences he enjoyed made him an even more extraordinary person. He held those memories dear.

In 2003, James married  Rachel Iverson in Bakersfield, California. He provided a beautiful, joyful, and meaningful life. Rachel learned so much from him – the strength of mildness and the beauty of patience. He didn’t always say much, but what he did say was well thought out and meaningful. The family will miss the way he looked at them, the way he laughed, and his willingness to empathetically listen to the concerns of our hearts.

He enjoyed simple pleasures: a good bowl of ice cream, driving trucks, watching the LA Clippers, cooking delicious meals, taking long walks, and jazz music.

James fell asleep in death on Friday afternoon, March 21, 2025, at Boardman Hospital. Surrounded by love and heartfelt prayer, he went to sleep with the hope of the resurrection held close to his heart. We take comfort in knowing he is safe in Jehovah’s memory, as we look forward to the day when ‘He will call, and the one who is resting will answer’ (Job 14:15). Until then, we hold tightly to the promise that “death will be no more” (Revelation 21:4), and we long for the moment we can welcome our precious friend back again.

James is survived by his mother, Magdalene (Blue) Shorter; brother, Joel Satterfield; sister, Narvela (Satterfield) Cook; his wife of 21 years, Rachel (Iverson) Shorter; father-in-law, Robert Iverson, mother-in-law, Wendy (Huntsman) Iverson; and brother-in-law, Robert Iverson Jr., along with a host of other beautiful family members and close friends who will cherish their memories and miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his father Ira “Cbo” Shorter, and a brother, Pete Shorter.

He and I are so grateful for all the love and support provided through his three-month illness. We can never repay all the kindness shown to us, but please know how much it meant to him to have all his friends and loved ones by his side.

There will be a memorial service for James, Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 2:00 pm in the Event room at the Holiday Inn Youngstown-South (Boardman), 7410 South Ave Youngstown, Ohio 44512.

Calling hours will be held from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm and 2:45 pm to 4:00 pm.

Services will also be streamed on Zoom:

Meeting ID: 847 2889 9184

Passcode: 1Peter510

For Phone Only

• +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)

Meeting ID: 847 2889 9184

Passcode: 359772740

Arrangements by Cremation & Funeral Service by Gary S. Silvat, Inc., 3896 Oakwood Avenue, Austintown  OH  44515. Share memories and send condolences by visiting cremateohio.com.

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