James Knox Shetterly

Those that were fortunate enough to have known Jim, knew him as a dreamer and a straight-shooter who enjoyed solving problems. Born in Washington DC, he spent his formative years in the DC and Northern Virginia area. Upon graduation, he attended Case Institute of Technology in Cleveland. After receiving his degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1965, he started his career at Newport News Shipbuilding. In the early 70s, he made his way to San Diego for the first time and worked at Solar Gas Turbines and C.E. Miller Corporation.

In the early 80s he made his way back to Virginia, and in 1986 married his wife Karen and had one daughter in 1987, Lauren. Jim had a successful career as a mechanical engineer in the area in various organizations such as Charles E. Smith Companies and Pierce Associates, until he and his family moved back to San Diego in 2006. Here in San Diego, Jim worked as a senior staff engineer at Simpson Gumpertz & Heger and then began his career as an expert witness and consultant on projects that required a high-level of expertise in mechanical situations.

Throughout his life, he was a car enthusiast, building many hot rods and working on the family cars, as well as being a ballistics, fishing, and sports fan. Before closing up shop in his garage a few years ago, he successfully built many cars including many 1932 Ford Anglias, 1969 Chevy Camaro, a Cobra kit car, and many others. In his last years, he could be found hanging out at the Glock store planning his next gun purchase, watching football games on the weekends, or researching wine and food for their next trip to Napa. Jim was also very active in his community’s HOA, working on several projects which included a new perimeter fence installation.

Anyone that knew Jim, knew he had an incredible work ethic, and had a successful almost 60-year career in the engineering field. By the end of his career he had attained his Professional Engineer credential in 12 states, a licensed Master Tradesman in 4 states, and a member of several professional societies. Those who knew and worked with him, spoke highly of him and the impact he had in their lives, both professionally and personally. That hard work mentality also translated to home, as he was a devoted husband and father.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents William and Lois, and his son Adrian. He is survived by his beloved wife Karen Shetterly, his daughter Lauren Shetterly, and his sisters Jean Gault (Chapin, SC) and Diane Cox (Newnan, GA). A celebration of life service will be held on April 29th at 2pm at the Self-Realization Fellowship Temple in Encinitas, CA.