James J. Short

James J. Short
Jan. 12, 1922~March 1, 2015

James J. Short of Horseshoe Bay passed away March 1, 2015.
He was born on Jan. 12, 1922, in the mining town of Muddy, Illinois, as one of six children of Henry and Rosa (Tarrant) Short.
He attended elementary and high school in Harrisburg and graduated in 1940. With the onset of World War II, Jim made the decision to serve his country as a fighter pilot. He embarked on his journey across the country. Arriving in Hondo, Texas, in 1942, he met his true love and partner, Helen Angermiller. Helen and Jim were married in July of 1942 in Sabinal, Texas. Jim entered the Army Air Corp in November 1942, received his commission in 1943 and served as a B29 flight instructor.
After being discharged from service in 1945, Jim and Helen moved to Urbana, Illinois, to attend the University of Illinois. While in college, he worked as a flight instructor and ran a small electrical contracting business. He graduated in 1949 with a degree in electrical engineering.
Jim accepted a position with Caterpillar Tractor Company in Peoria, Illinois, in 1949. Helen and Jim moved throughout the east coast during their first eight years with Cat.
While residing in Westchester Virginia, they adopted their son, James Michael. Three years later, in Boston, their daughter, Patricia Anne was adopted. The couple was elated to have their family complete. They returned to Peoria in 1958, while Jim spent the rest of his 36 year career as an executive with Cat. He retired in 1985 with friendships that lasted a lifetime and endless memories of the wonderful bonds he developed throughout the years.
Jim and Helen chose Horseshoe Bay, Texas, as their home in retirement. Jim became a true Texan and often remarked that the Hill Country was nothing short of exceptional. Jim and Helen were active members of the Church of Horseshoe Bay and the Horseshoe Bay community. Jim served on the MUD board of Horseshoe Bay for over 10 years and was instrumental in developing the sanitation district and the police force. Jim loved fishing, hunting, golfing, playing cards, gardening, completing “honey do” lists, and enjoying the tremendous friends the couple made over the last 30 years.
Jim had a deep love for Helen; an unwavering support of his children and grandchildren, close bonds with his relatives, and enduring friendships with many wonderful people throughout his life. His “can do” attitude, sense of humor, story-telling, lifelong curiosity, unwavering integrity, humility, and zest for life will be remembered by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by Helen, his loving wife of 72 years, and is survived by his daughter, Patricia (William) Ristvedt of Excelsior, Minnesota, and his son ,Michael of Minden, Nevada; grandsons, Christopher Short of Orlando, Florida, Michael Ristvedt of Scottsdale, Arizona, William Ristvedt of Excelsior, Minnesota, as well as granddaughters, Emily Short of Pasadena, California, and Kelsey Short of Nunapitchuck, Alaska.
The family would like to extend its gratitude to the staff of Arbor House Assisted Living for the caring and support they gave Jim these last few months.
Funeral services will be on Saturday, March 21, 2015, at 11:30 a.m. at The Church at Horseshoe Bay in Horseshoe Bay, Texas.
Arrangements by Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home in Marble Falls.
Condolences may be made at www.clementswilcoxfuneralhome.com.