Shirley James

Honoring a Mentor: Shirley James, by Tommy Donahue

Shirley James was a remarkable individual whose unwavering dedication to community improvement, environmental conservation, and mentorship left an indelible mark on my life and the city of Evansville. Her guidance during pivotal moments of my life and her exemplary leadership taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance, vision, and the power of collective action.

In 1989, Shirley played an instrumental role in my early forays into environmental advocacy. She supported me as I organized a large-scale cleanup of Pigeon Creek. This ambitious effort included enlisting the help of the National Guard to remove many tons of trash from the creek, an initiative that demonstrated the impact of coordinated community action. Shirley’s encouragement and belief in the project fortified my resolve and set the stage for future contributions to the environment.

Her influence deepened in 1993 when she encouraged me to join the board of the Evansville Pigeon Creek Greenway as the leader of marketing and cleanup initiatives. Shirley’s tireless work for the Greenway was legendary, and she inspired me to approach every challenge with creativity and determination. Her mentorship guided my efforts in promoting and sustaining the Greenway, and her collaborative spirit became a blueprint for my own endeavors.

One such endeavor was the creation of "Pickin’ on Pigeon," a day-long celebration of environmental conservation education paired with music. Shirley’s influence on how to collaborate with a broad range of entities—local organizations, educators, artists, and community leaders—was paramount to its success. She taught me the importance of fostering partnerships and building bridges between diverse groups to create a shared vision for progress. The event not only raised awareness about the importance of conservation but also highlighted the power of community unity, a principle that Shirley embodied.

Shirley’s kindness and wisdom were particularly vital when I made the life-changing decision to leave my family business and move to Colorado. As someone who had lived in Montana and traveled extensively, Shirley shared advice rooted in her own experiences of stepping into the unknown. Her encouragement to embrace change and her belief in my ability to adapt and thrive gave me the courage to take that leap.

When I returned to Evansville in 2002, Shirley was a steadfast source of support. Her advice was instrumental as I launched Canoe Evansville at Wesselman Woods and managed Howell Wetlands. Shirley’s deep knowledge of Howell Wetlands was invaluable, providing a foundation for how I structured its management. Her passion for preserving and nurturing this unique ecosystem mirrored her lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship.

Shirley’s legacy extends far beyond her personal mentorship. Her work with the Westwood Garden Club, Operation City Beautiful (now Keep Evansville Beautiful), and the West Side Improvement Association transformed the community. As president of the West Side Improvement Association for 18 years, Shirley tirelessly fought urban sprawl, drainage issues, litter, and pollution. She played a key role in developing Howell Wetlands and restoring the Pagoda, leaving behind a tangible legacy of progress and beautification.

Perhaps her most enduring contribution was her leadership in the Pigeon Creek Greenway. As chair of the advisory committee from 1993 to 2007, Shirley worked tirelessly to plan and secure funding for the Greenway Trail. Her efforts culminated in the creation of the Shirley James Gateway Plaza in 2009, a tribute to her relentless advocacy for a project she believed would enhance the quality of life in Evansville. At the plaza’s dedication, former Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel aptly remarked, “Her work on this Greenway is a legacy to this city and its residents.”

Shirley’s remarkable achievements earned her numerous accolades, including the Vanderburgh County Soil and Water Conservation District’s Master Conservationist Award, the Jefferson Award, and the Indiana Center for Philanthropy’s Unsung Hero Award, among others. These honors reflect the profound impact she had on her community and her unwavering commitment to public service.

Shirley James exemplified what it means to be a leader, teacher, and friend. Her willingness to learn, openness to diverse perspectives, and tireless dedication to making a difference continue to inspire those who knew her. For me, Shirley was more than a mentor; she was a beacon of hope and a guiding light whose wisdom and kindness helped shape the course of my life. Her legacy lives on in the projects she championed and in the hearts of those she inspired to carry her vision forward.