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Jim Shellard

September 27, 1922 - February 15, 2023
Walker, MI

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Visitation

Monday, February 20, 2023
11:00 AM EST
Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes
Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel
2120 Lake Michigan Dr., N.W.
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 453-8263
Driving Directions

Service

Monday, February 20, 2023
12:00 PM EST
Live Stream
Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes
Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel
2120 Lake Michigan Dr., N.W.
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 453-8263
Driving Directions

Luncheon

Monday, February 20, 2023
12:30 PM EST
Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes
Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel
2120 Lake Michigan Dr., N.W.
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 453-8263
Driving Directions

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Interim Hospice
1971 E Beltline Ave NE Suite 216
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Web Site

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ball Park Floral
8 Valley Ave.
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 459-3409
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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When reflecting on the life of James Shellard, it is easy to see both his unwavering strength and his unconditional love for his family. He was always willing to go above and beyond to care for others, and his solid work ethic formed the foundation of his life. A friend to all he met, Jim’s primary focus was fostering deep and personal relationships with those around him. He was well known for his kindness and generosity. Dearly missed, Jim will be forever loved by those who knew him best.

It was great to be an American during the decade that we commonly recall as the Roaring Twenties. Motion pictures became available in both color and sound, cars were more affordable to the widespread implementation of the assembly line, and Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart took the world of flight to new heights. This was an exciting time for Samuel and Dona (Smith) Shellard for a much different reason as they announced the birth of the baby boy they named James Robert on September 27, 1922, in Walker, Michigan.

In many ways, Jim was a typical young boy of his generation. He was raised on the family farm alongside his younger sister, Lucy. Growing up on the farm, there was always enough work to go around. At first the family had no electricity, running water, or indoor toilets, and cooking had to be done on a wood-burning stove. Electricity and indoor plumbing were later added. Jim was an adventurous spirit from a young age. He and his friend, Holmes, would try to be the first to swim in the creek every spring, even in March. One of Jim’s fondest memories was attending the World’s Fair in Chicago at the age of 12. His uncle, John, sent money so that the entire family could go, and it was a bright spot in the darkness of the years of the Great Depression.

In the early years of his childhood, Jim attended Simon School, a local one-room schoolhouse for kindergarten through eighth grade with an outside toilet. His parents were very involved in the school as well, serving as treasurers and with fundraisers. Jim worked very hard to succeed in his studies. He balanced his schoolwork with chores on the farm. Jim went on to graduate from Union High School in 1941, ready to move on to bigger and better things.

New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Jim as he met the woman who would soon become the love of his life. Her name was Shirley Reece, and the two first met as classmates at Union. Jim and Shirley were invited to the movies by Shirley's sister and Jim's friend, and their connection was instant. While dating, they did chores around the farm in order to spend more time together. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Jim and Shirley were married in the presence of family and friends on October 1, 1942.

All who knew Jim can surely agree that, of all the things he loved in life, he treasured his loved ones above all else. After being married, he and Shirley settled down on the family farm for a time before buying a home of their own on Elmridge Drive in Walker. Over the years, Jim and Shirley were overjoyed to welcome their beloved children, Sharon, Jim Jr., Sue, and Mary, into their hearts and home. Shirley was a full-time mother, housewife, and homemaker, and Jim worked tirelessly to provide for his family. He truly thrived in his role as a father, and he always got his children practical gifts that they would need and use. Later in life, Jim was thrilled to become a grandfather, a great-grandfather, and even a great-great-grandfather. He adored his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren and had their pictures all over the house. Jim lovingly cared for Shirley and remained devoted to her for the entirety of their marriage. He always considered himself blessed to be surrounded by so many loved ones.

Family was the point around which Jim's life revolved. In order to care for those who depended on him, he worked at a variety of places over the years, including Ruster Dairy, Edison Farm, General Motors, and Kenowa Hills Schools. Jim bought motorcycles for all of his children and loved riding on the trails with them. The family also went camping every weekend, and for many years, they had a seasonal trailer at Woods and Water Campground in White Cloud. In their retirement years, Jim and Shirley took their travel trailer to Florida for the winters. He loved joking around with his family and coloring with his great-grandchildren, displaying their work with pride.

As his family and friends can surely attest, James Shellard truly understood the secret to a life well lived. He was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times, and he always had an encouraging word to say. Nothing brought Jim greater joy than spending time with his family. His heart of service allowed him to touch the lives of countless others in ways both great and small. Though he will be deeply missed, Jim leaves behind a priceless legacy that his loved ones will be proud to carry on in his footsteps.

SHELLARD, James R. age 100, passed away February 15, 2023 with his loving family at his side. Jim was born September 27, 1922 in Walker, MI to the late Samuel and Dona (Smith) Shellard. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Shirley Shellard; daughter, Sharon Shellard; and son, James R. Shellard, Jr. Jim is survived by his daughters, Susan Gilbert and Mary Shellard (Chris Wills); grandchildren, Don (Jenny) Chorman, Melissa (Dave) Chappell, Sarah Lewis, Heather Allen, and Ashley Shellard; 11 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandson. A funeral service will be held Monday, February 20, 2023 at 12 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. Friends may visit with family beginning at 11 AM. Interment will be in Rosedale Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Interim Hospice. To read more of Jim’s life story, leave a memory or condolence please visit www.heritagelifestory.com.

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