James Shelton

James (Jim) Shelton, 89, of Olathe, passed away on June 2, 2013, surrounded by his loving family at Stratford Commons in Overland Park, Ks.
Jim was born at the farm home, May 1, 1924 in Almena, Kansas to Austin and Mary Shelton. Jim married Rita Thompson in 1942 and together, for 71 years, they have lived in Norton, Albuquerque, and then Olathe to be close to their daughters and grandchildren.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Rita Shelton, his three daughters, Jeannie Peterson and husband, Larry, Jody Shelton and Wilma Wilcox, and grandchildren, Jeremy Peterson, Erica Peterson Del Monaco, and David Wilcox, great grandchildren Elle Peterson, Hayden James Del Monaco.
Jim was preceded in death by his brothers and sister, Austin, George, Jane, Joe and Ralph.
Jim handled his journey with Alzheimer's and cancer with determination and caring, and requested memorials go to fight those diseases. The family requests donations to the American Cancer Society and The Alzheimer's Association in lieu of flowers.
Our loving husband and father, born on a Saturday, definitely fit the description in the verse about those born on a Saturday. It says, "The child born on Saturday works hard for a living." Jim worked hard all of his life and always told us if someone said it couldn't be done, it was great satisfaction for him to just see if it could be accomplished.
His working career began at the age of 18 in the gas business, later expanded to include the tire business His years in New Mexico and Olathe included a position with Marriott as maintenance supervisor and then after retirement in Olathe he had a "little black book" with all his customers who gave him their garage codes and house keys and wanted him to take care of maintenance on their houses.
Jim's faith was strong and he lived this faith throughout his life. As a young boy he attended Sunday school in Calvert, Kansas, and his teacher was Louise Pashe. She was a caring lady and often picked up the Shelton boys and took them to Sunday school. He became a member of First Baptist in Norton and then moved his membership to Olathe where he met his best friend, Pastor Bob Kearney.
Family brought proud comments from Jim as he talked about his loving wife, Rita, and his daughters and grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was also a "rock" for his siblings and took care of his father, mother and sister during their last journey in life.
Service to others was a given for Jim. From serving as a volunteer fire fighter in Norton, city councilman, and his own personal life flight service to help those in need, and being available to help anyone in an emergency situation. When a family member or friend would come to visit, Jim always walked you out to the car and said, "If there is anything I can do for you, let me know. All knew he meant it. He also suggested his daughters call when they got home to make sure they made it safely.

One of Jim's great interests was flying. After World War II, many of the local boys used their G.I. funds to learn to fly. This inspired Jim to take flying lessons. His first plane was a two-seater Piper C. Later he sold it and bought a Cessna. Jim was generous in sharing his skill for flying and his plane to help others. He flew Bob Dole from Russell on some of his first campaigns in Kansas when Bob started his political career. He flew service men to where they needed to go. He flew patients with health emergencies to area hospitals, and often took his family and friends on trips and for thrilling rides.
The end for Jim was a long and difficult journey, but you were always inspired by the way he handled each day. From the beginning when he had Alzheimer's until just two months ago when he was diagnosed with a late stage of cancer, he handled it all with dignity, determination and care for those who surrounded him.
Jim will be missed every second of every day by his family and friends, but his legacy will live on in the actions and deeds of those whose lives he continues to touch. Being the smart, caring and determined husband, father and friend, Jim's life lessons will still influence us through the years ahead.