Dr. James Shannon

Dr. James J. Shannon James Joseph Shannon DVM, 87, Topeka, passed away Sunday, October 18, 2015. Jim was born March 19, 1928, the son of William and Veronica Peiffer Shannon. He was born and raised in Keota, Iowa and served our country in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. On August 28, 1954, Jim was united in marriage to Mary Jean Donohue. He earned his veterinary degree from Iowa State in 1959 and continued living in Iowa until moving to Lincoln, Nebraska in 1971 and to Topeka in 1981. He worked for the USDA for over 30 years before retiring in 1990. Jim and Jean celebrated 60 years of marriage before her death on September 10, 2014. Jim was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, Council No. 8411 and the James W. Gibbons Fourth Degree Assembly. Jim served in various ministries in the Church including assisting at funeral Masses for many years. Survivors include his children, Michelle Hamel, Topeka, Nancee Berger (Rick), Omaha NE, and Kathy Deneault (Ed), Topeka; grandchildren, Matthew and Abigail Hamel, Caroline, Sarah and Brett Berger and Joe and Jon Deneault; brothers, Dr. Donald Shannon (Jo), Fort Madison IA, and Dr. Edward Shannon (Camille), Barrington IL; and brother-in-law, Robert Donohue (Joan) Wilmington DE. He also was preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter, Rebecca Renee Hamel. Family will greet friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS. The Fourth Degree Chalice Ceremony will be at 7:30 p.m. followed by a rosary led by the Knights of Columbus, all at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Christ the King Church followed by burial at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to Christ the King Church, 5973 SW 25th Street, Topeka KS 66614. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.