PVCC Shining Light Memorial Fund for Educators
The Shining Light Memorial Fund for Educators at Paradise Valley Community College was created to honor the legacy of Jim Kirk and Sheldon Koch—two individuals who brought light to those around them and made a lasting difference in their communities.
This fund supports students in the BAEE/SPED Educator Preparation Program, empowering future teachers to carry that same spirit forward by creating brighter futures through education.
In Loving Memory of James “Jim” Robert Kirk — Popi
Jim Kirk, lovingly known as Popi, was tough as nails, endlessly supportive, and everyone’s biggest fan. He showed up with grit, heart, and a fierce kind of love that never wavered. Whether offering a listening ear, lending a hand, or giving his signature “shot in the arm” support, he had a gift for helping people feel seen, accepted, and not alone.
Behind that strength was a life shaped by his own quiet battle with depression — a weight he carried with unbreakable resolve and a deep commitment to lifting others. He was an unwavering father of four, a faithful husband to his wife of 45 years, and the proud Popi to 11 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
A lifelong animal lover, Jim often said you can tell a lot about a person by how they treat an animal — a reflection of his deep empathy and respect for all living things. The Shining Light Memorial Fund for Educators carries forward his heart for helping others, one small act of love at a time.
In Loving Memory of Sheldon J. Koch
Sheldon Koch lit up every space he entered — not only with his bright smile and spark-filled eyes, but with how he championed others to live fully, love deeply, and lead authentically. A gifted pastor, coach, and spiritual guide, Sheldon devoted his life to helping people connect to their own light — even when it meant sacrificing his own dreams for theirs to thrive.
His mantra, Love. Live. Lead., continues to ripple through his family, his community, and the countless lives he touched around the world. Though he passed suddenly at 40, Sheldon’s legacy of wholehearted presence and purpose lives on — especially in the hearts of his wife of 17 years, their four children, and the many he lifted with his life.
*In 2021, Arizona passed a law allowing community colleges to offer bachelor's degrees, making higher education more affordable and accessible. Paradise Valley Community College is proud to be one of the first to offer a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary and Special Education (BAEE/SPED)—preparing future teachers to make a difference.