Zacharias “Zach” King Shirley, born July 10, 2019, in Gilbert, Arizona, returned to God on March 17, 2025. He was the beloved son of Roy and Jennifer Shirley.
Zach was best known for his love of music, vibrant smile, and an infectious laugh. Amidst medical hardship, Zach maintained a consistent joy for life and love of family.
Zach is survived by his loving parents, Roy and Jennifer, his brothers, Matthew, Joseph, Brigham, and Ezra, and his sisters, Chloe, Hannah, Lily, Eva Rose, and Skylar. Zach was the grandson of Cipriano and Tammeron Trejo, and Michael and Lynda Shirley. He also leaves behind a large family of loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Born with a rare genetic disability (MECP2 Duplication Syndrome), Zach experienced a range of neurological and developmental delays. He had difficulty with basic functions such as breathing, eating, digestion, and mobility. Small progress like lifting a toy block, became momentous cause for celebration. By age two Zach became strong enough to move around on his knees and enjoy a form of mobility. He loved being chased by his brothers and sisters and “dancing” to music. Zach smiled and laughed often and found happiness in the love of family and friends.
Zach required constant care and attention, but these opportunities to serve him became blessed experiences for his parents and siblings. His majestic spirit was evident despite his limited body.
In August 2023 Zach began to regress and lose the abilities he had spent years to obtain. Daily seizures and respiratory trouble became common and at age five he was frequently in the hospital for pneumonia. After a prolonged struggle, Zach’s lungs became too weak to support life, and he passed away with his mother and father holding him close.
His loving family looks forward to the day when the angel’s trump sounds, and all are saved from death and the grave through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:22)