James Arthur Shepard, 85, formerly of Riverview, passed away in Dayton, Ohio on December 6, 2016. James was born in Gordon, Ohio on April 30, 1931 to the late Oscar and Mildred Shepard. Following his graduation from Arcanum High School in 1950, James enlisted in the United States Navy and served in the Korean War. His service took him to places far and wide - and quite different from the small Ohio town that had been his home. Many years later he would share tales of these exotic locales, impressing his children and grandchildren with a worldliness they had not expected from a self-described "hayseed from Ohio".
During leave at the Norfolk, Virginia Naval Base, James agreed to a blind date with the young woman from New York City, who would become his wife three months later. This unlikely couple, James and Joan Barbara (Fuller) went on to raise four children, residing in New York, Ohio and Florida. Their homes ranged from a walk up flat in Manhattan to a pre-civil war home on several acres of land in Ohio. Their final home together was in Riverview, Florida where they reveled in their role as grandparents to 5 rambunctious grand-children.
Following his discharge from the Navy, James became a master electrician employed by the Brooklyn Navy Yard, the Lorain Ship Yard, Bendix-Westinghouse in Elyria, Ohio and the Tampa Port Authority.
James was a long time member of Al-Anon, at the Riverview chapter (Joe's Place), serving not only as a sponsor to many individuals seeking to find meaning and balance to their lives but also becoming a great friend to all who knew him. His kindness and non-judgmental nature was a great support to many.
In his spare time, James enjoyed home remodeling, gardening and reading. He was a curious and voracious reader whose first wife said of him "If you ask him what time it is, he will tell you how a clock is made".
One of the most endearing features of James' life was the pets and animals that populated his and his children's lives. There is a multitude of dogs, cats, horses, goats and ducks who are waiting for him at the Rainbow Bridge. It brings his family great joy to recall their names and stories.
Following the death of James' first wife and mother of his children, Joan Fuller, he became reacquainted with an old friend from Ohio and married - for a second time - to Patricia Shepard. He was able to return to his home town in Ohio and reconnect with generations of family and friends and enjoy his later years deep in the heart of Buckeye Country. His new family brought him new children, grandchildren and friends who deeply enriched his life.
In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his loving first wife, Joan Fuller; infant sons Mark and Thomas Shepard and brother Roger Shepard. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Shepard; son, James Shepard; daughters Theresa (Marc), Kathleen Shepard, Jean Huffman; step children, Rick (Vicki) Smith, Steve Smith, Mike (Becky) Smith, Phil Smith, Tim (Teressa) Smith; 5 grandchildren; Jessica Kelly, James Shepard, Christine (Michael) Plenzio, Colton Shepard and Kevin Kelly and 13 step-grandchildren. James is also survived by his brother William Shepard and sister Carol Ritz in addition to 12 nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held on Friday, December 16, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Serenity Meadows 6919 Providence Road Riverview, Florida. Honor Guard ceremony to follow at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. 1600 Corporate Landing Parkway, Virginia Beach, VA 23454. Any Al Anon or Alateen member may make contributions to the WSO in memory of anyone who is deceased. Donors can state that they are a member on a simple note. The donation may be sent to Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. 1600 Corporate Landing Parkway, Virginia Beach, VA 23454. The World Service Office accepts contributions in memory of deceased Al Anon members from "family" who are not Al Anon members. The World Service Conference defines "family" as anyone who has a close relationship of loving care and concern for another. The individual donor defines his or her relationship to the deceased Al Anon member. This one-time gift of gratitude is limited to an amount no greater than $500.