Ghulam Ahmed Shirazi

Ghulam (Jim) Shirazi was born June 30, 1938 in Kasganj, India; he was the youngest of ten children. Ghulam attended the University of Karachi (Pakistan), University of Hawaii, Oklahoma State University, and University of Oklahoma completing master’s degrees in geology, chemistry, and physics before receiving his doctorate in soil science. He worked for the Pakistani Geological Survey, Utah Department of Oil, Gas, and Mines, founded his own company (Shirazi & Associates Consulting), and finally retired from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture. Ghulam was dedicated to spreading knowledge of engineering and science in both Pakistan and the U.S., and was one of the founding members of the Association of Pakistani Scientists & Engineers of North America (APSENA). He was a die-hard fan of the Oklahoma State Cowboys and could be found rooting on their various athletic programs (especially their basketball and football teams). The son of a government railway physician in Pakistan, Ghulam was a lifelong steam locomotive enthusiast, and participated in a number of recreational railroad journeys. He was also an avid player of recreational sports enjoying racquetball, basketball, fishing, and soccer. Indeed, Ghulam helped establish the first youth league soccer program in Edmond, OK in the early 1980s. He was also active in politics, standing for election as representative to the State House from District 97 in 1996. Ghulam was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Sharon; daughter Saarah; sons Shaan and Sam; son-in-law James; grandsons Jamison and Jarrett; granddaughter Jenevieve; nephew Meraj; and Katye Poole.