Shireman Family Establishes HCCF Scholarship Fund

The Corydon Democrat

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

     In celebration of the 50th anniversary of James L. Shireman Inc., the Shireman family has established the “Shireman Family Scholarship Fund” with the Harrison County Community Foundation. The fund will provide four scholarships annually to one graduating senior at each Harrison County high school. These scholarships will recognize outstanding seniors who have attended Prosser School of Technology and will pursue post-secondary education.“It is the hope of our family that each scholarship recipient will make a positive impact in Harrison County,” said family member Becky Eckart.

      Jim Shireman started his company in June 1957. He and his wife, Mary, have five children: Mike, Mark, David and Joe Shireman and Becky Eckart. They also have nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. All five of their children have worked for the company at one time or another and their oldest son, Mark, is now president of the company and son Joe is chief operating officer.“My dad is very interested in vocations and realizes the importance of having and maintaining skilled people,” said Mark.

      Jim Shireman is a World War II Marine veteran and served as Harrison County Republican Party chairman from 1964 to 1974. He has served as a board member for the Chamber of Commerce of Harrison County, Southern Indiana Health Systems Agency, Southern Indiana Mental Health Association and Prosser School of Technology. He also served as an adviser to former Indiana Govs. Ed Whitcomb, Dr. Otis Bowen and Robert Orr. In June 2006, Shireman received the “Friend of Leadership Award” after creating an endowment with the Harrison County Community Foundation to support Leadership Harrison County perpetually. Mary Shireman currently works part-time for James L. Shireman Inc. She is described by her children as a wonderful mother, attentive listener and a great encourager. Jim and Mary will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary next month and are members of Corydon United Methodist Church.

      Following in their parents’ footsteps, the Shireman children are also active servant leaders of Harrison County. The James L. Shireman family was the recipient of the Chamber of Commerce 2006 President’s Award for Community Service. At that event, 2006 Chamber of Commerce board president Pam Bennett Martin said, “The family wants to and has made a difference in our community by their work, community involvement and financial commitment.”

      Martin, now a current HCCF board member, adds, “This scholarship fund is just one more way this family is making a difference in Harrison County.” The Harrison County Community Foundation provided a matching gift to create this fund, and any additional donation is eligible for a dollar-for-dollar match, up to $25,000 per household per year.

      Anyone who wishes to make a donation to the Shireman Family Scholarship Fund may contact the HCCF staff at 738-6668 or mail donations to the Foundation, P.O. Box 279, Corydon, IN 47112.  Checks should be made out to Harrison County Community Foundation with the name of the fund in the memo line.