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James Quirk Obituary
Jim graduated from Marquette University (Civil Engineering) 1945, BBA University of Minnesota 1948, MA (Econ) University of Minnesota 1949, Ph.D. (Economics) University of Minnesota 1959. Jim served in the U.S. Navy, 1944 to 1946.
He was a retired Caltech Economics Professor 1971-1987, and he taught Economics at several other distinguished universities: University of Kansas 1966-1970, University of Minnesota 1957-58, Purdue University 1958-59, UC Santa Barbara, University of Wyoming, Montana State University, University of Maryland, European Division, University of Mississippi, and Peninsula College. He wrote fourteen books and published over 150 articles. He went on to specialize in Sports Economics.
Jim was an avid Minnesota Golden Gopher football fan and a diehard Kansas University Jayhawk basketball follower.
He also had a love for jazz and played the cornet with several different jazz bands, He was a Cornet player with Salty Dogs Jazz Band, producing an album "On the River". He was the leader and cornet player with the Dungeness Traditional Jazz Band, Sequim WA, 2002-2013.
He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Shirley Mae Krois in 2014 and son James Patrick and his parents William & Teresa (McMahon) Quirk; brother, Jack Quirk, Quentin Quirk; sisters, Maureen Schmidt, Kathleen Shannon, Colleen Healy and Betty Kunik. He is survived by his children: Gail DeFord, Janice (Bascom) Ratliff, Jill (Roger) Powell, Colleen (Don) Stone and Thomas (Elizabeth) Quirk, and grandchildren Jennifer Peterson, Kevin Powell, Julie Powell, Nicole Rogers, Michael Jaycox, William Delehanty, James Delehanty, Christopher Stone and Katelyn Stone, and his great grandchildren Taylor Donner, Megan Donner, Nicole Donner, Dylan Jaycox, Colleen Peterson, Olivia Jaycox, Lilly Delehanty, and David John Rogers and two great, great grandsons Ryker and Kyler Donner.
He was a humble, soft- spoken, kind, caring, and patient yet brilliant man. A loving father and great mentor to all his students. He will be greatly missed. We have lost a giant.
His family asks for no donations any condolence may be sent to Jill Powell at [email protected]. Due to the virus, no service has been planned.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Quirk
Julie Burness
June 6, 2025
One of Jim's many students, Stu Burness, has joined him in solving world problems! Stu died January 6, 2024. Our time in Pasadena with the Quirk family was one of welcome and respect.
Julie Burness
June 6, 2024
Jim was Stu´s thesis advisor first then they became steadfast friends and colleagues. They played in Dixieland bands together. Our families shared meals and weddings, bridge games, biking and a glass of wine. Stu died early January so remembering our fun times is great for our family, too.
K Terasawa
June 6, 2023
We often think of you. I fondly remember our morning chats over coffee at Browne and weekly visits to favorite restaurants in LA. Your generosity and kindness is my north star.
Katchan
June 6, 2022
We often think of you and Shirley ... the photo is our sipping wine together at Port Angels, WA.
Debbie Doud
June 21, 2020
Hi Janice--So many memories of your parents and their busy household. You are so blessed to have had them for so many years. May those memories be a comfort to you. It is so very difficult to lose parents and become the "older" generation. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Debbie Doud
Katsuaki L Terasawa
June 15, 2020
Jim was a gentleman, great scholar and caring teacher. Jim always found time when students needed his advice and counsel. We miss Jim very much and he will be remembered.
LEE LAWRENCE
June 15, 2020
In all the time I knew Dr. Quirk, I had no idea of his tremendous accomplishments in life. I enjoyed talking with him and discussing the issues of the day. Many warm hugs to Jim's family.
Margaret Strainer
June 12, 2020
What a special family! Much love from long ago Lawrence and Montana
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