Judge & Sheriff Named for the 89th Annual Pioneer Days

The City of Twentynine Palms is proud to announce that longtime community leaders Jeff and Shirley Art have been selected as the Judge & Sheriff for the 89^th Annual Pioneer Days, presented by Bowladium Family Fun Center. Honored for their decades of service, compassion, and forward-thinking leadership, Jeff and Shirley embody the very spirit of this cherished community tradition.

Arriving in Twentynine Palms in 1978, Jeff Art immediately began his life of service as Director of the Parks and Recreation Department before dedicating more than 35 years as an educator. His career touched countless lives across the Morongo Basin, both inside and outside the classroom. For over 40 years, he volunteered as a referee for the Twentynine Palms Youth Basketball Tournament and officiated numerous local youth sports. Jeff also served with the Joshua Tree National Park Search and Rescue team, demonstrating his commitment to safety, service, and leadership. Even in retirement, he continues to give back—whether supporting students, lending his time to community clean-up efforts, or offering a steady presence in times of need.

Shirley Art has been equally influential in shaping the strength and heart of Twentynine Palms. A graduate of Twentynine Palms High School, Shirley made this city her permanent home despite the moves that often came with Marine Corps family life. While raising her children, she worked at the Alamo Grocery Store, later serving students at Monument High School and Copper Mountain College until her retirement. Beyond her professional career, Shirley has dedicated countless volunteer hours through Rotary, local churches, Food for Life, and women’s groups that she organized to support military spouses. Her forward-thinking leadership created spaces of connection and care for those who often felt far from home, fostering bonds that remain strong decades later.

Together, Jeff and Shirley represent the “Spirit of Service”—quiet, steadfast, and enduring. Their compassion, humility, and unwavering commitment have strengthened the Morongo Basin across generations. Their story is one of leadership, resilience, and positive change, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire others to serve.

The City of Twentynine Palms invites the community to celebrate Jeff and Shirley as they are honored during this year’s Pioneer Days festivities, October 16-19, 2025.

For more information on the 89^th Annual Pioneer Days, please visit 29palms.org or call the City of Twentynine Palms Parks & Recreation Department at (760) 367-7562.