James (Jim) Gordon Sheehy, a resident of Redondo Beach, California, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2025, at the age of 84, surrounded by his family. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, Navy veteran, engineer, and passionate world traveler.
Born on March 9, 1941, in Windsor, New York, Jim was the son of James Edward Sheehy and Shirley Baldwin Sheehy. He was preceded in death by his siblings Terry, Paul, Annine, Brian, Susan, and Burchard. He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Alexis; his children, James and Shannon; his grandson, Matthew; and his brother, Dennis.
A Distinguished Navy Career
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 deployments aboard the USS Lawrence, USS Chicago, USS Ramsey, USS Columbus, and USS Talbot. Jim’s time in the Navy instilled in him a lifelong sense of discipline, duty, and a quiet pride in his service to the nation.
After his military career, Jim transitioned into a successful professional life as an aerospace engineer. He worked for notable organizations such as Burroughs Corporation, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Honeywell, and Northrop. His contributions to space exploration and national defense included significant projects like the Viking Mars spacecraft and the MX ICBM Missile programs. Jim was well-respected in the industry for his technical expertise and dedication to innovation.
A Life of Service and Adventure
In addition to his professional achievements, Jim was actively involved in his community. He spent sixteen years as a member of Rotary International, where he embraced the organization’s commitment to service. His dedication to helping others extended to his personal life as well; he was a proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous, celebrating 38 years of continuous sobriety in September 2025. Jim embodied the AA principles of Recovery, Unity, and Service.
A passionate traveler, Jim and Alexis explored all seven continents, visiting 103 countries and more than 500 cities together. His adventurous spirit was evident as he sought to learn about new cultures and experiences. Despite facing health challenges, including a serious back condition diagnosed in 2012, Jim refused to let these obstacles hinder his love for travel. He adapted by using a walker, later upgraded to a “sport walker,” which enabled him to participate in the 2015 Los Angeles Marathon and complete five additional marathons.
Jim Sheehy will be remembered for his intelligence, perseverance, generosity of spirit, and deep devotion to his family. His life was characterized by a commitment to service, a passion for exploration, and a loving connection to those around him. He lived fully, traveled widely, served honorably, and loved deeply. His absence will be felt profoundly by all who knew him.
