Michael was born to Connie and James Shireman on September 9, 1985, in Kansas City, Missouri. He was the middle child and arguably the most good-looking. Before leaving the house every morning, he made sure to check his outfit in the reflection of the glass door to ensure nobody was going to “waste his flava.” He had big middle-child energy and would always ask his sisters, “You want to take a walk on the wild side?”
Michael graduated from Raytown High School, Class of 2004, where his lucky number 9 served him well on the soccer field. As a forward and leading scorer for the Raytown Bluejays, he was known for his speed, hustle, and sneaky power in his right foot. Yet his coaches and teammates best remember him for what people didn't always see he was a silent leader who understood people and never sought the spotlight. He never complained or tore others down; instead, he showed up, worked hard, and built up everyone around him. Whether celebrating an assist just as much as a goal or encouraging the next guy for the shot, he did the small things right and left everything on the field a true example of what it meant to be a Blue Jay.
Professionally, Michael worked at CRB as a senior project accountant, bringing over 15 years of experience to his field. Outside of work, however, was where he found his greatest purpose. He loved others fiercely and was always just a phone call away for anyone who needed him.
His family holds fond memories of trying to solve Wheel of Fortune puzzles together. While his mom was always #1 with Michael close behind in second, she will now proudly represent them both. His dad will now carry the title for most free throws, and Sundays will remain reserved for cheering on the Chiefs only now, everyone will cheer a little louder to make sure Michael is represented.
No matter how you choose to remember Michael, look for him in the small moments: watching a sunset, fishing, solving a Wheel of Fortune puzzle, kicking around a soccer ball, coaching and inspiring young children, bowling (especially if you’re lucky enough to bowl a 300), shuffling around in cowboy boots, or listening to gangster rap.
Remember that your life is brighter because you knew a bright blue-eyed boy from Raytown.
Fly high, Blue Jay.
Michael was preceded in death by his grandfather, Lee Roy Young; his grandmother, Cherie Shireman; his aunt, Donna Lee Dieckman; and his uncle, Scott Shireman.
He is survived by his parents, James and Connie Shireman; his sisters, Jackie Shireman and Christina Shireman; his fiancée, Jamie Sherrow; his sweet Lily Bug; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends; and his fur babies, Libby, Miley, and Sirbastard.
