The late James Robert "Bob" Shirey, 72, of Tamaqua, was remembered recently during the Delano Fire Company's annual community bazaar for his lifetime of volunteerism and dedication to numerous organizations.

Shirey, who passed away April 8 from bladder cancer, was well-known by many for his volunteerism with Ryan Township Rescue Squad and EMS, Delano Fire Company Fire Company and Fire Police, Schuylkill American Red Cross and Tamaqua Salvation Army."Not only did Bob volunteer at the fire company, he spent most of his life volunteering with many other community-minded organizations," said Delano Fire Chief Paul Kuropatsky. "His involvement with these organization incorporated more than just being a member. He got involved."He was the husband of Mabel "Dolly" C. (Miller) Shirey. They were married over 53 years.With the American Red Cross, Bob would organize local Red Cross blood drives, teach Red Cross CPR classes, set up Red Cross shelters, and assist firefighters and victims of fires during fires and other local disasters.Some of his involvement with the Delano Fire Company included serving as its Fire Police Captain, working the beer stand and even serving as Santa Claus during holiday events and children's Christmas parties.Bob also served as an EMT and on the planning committee with the Ryan Township Rescue Team and EMS for many years.Highly involved with the Tamaqua Salvation Army Corps, Bob served on a number of committees while serving as an advisory board member for the Corps. Some committees were disaster committee, finance committee, building committee and others.Shirey was an Army veteran of the Caribbean Crisis and the Panama Canal.Prior to retiring, Bob owned JRS Sporting Goods Store in Tamaqua.He was also member of the

N.R.A., N.Y. Sheriffs Assoc., Pa. Sheriffs Assoc. and the

F.O.P. Schuylkill-Carbon Lodge.