James D. "Don" Shea Sr.

James Shea Obituary

Shea, Don (James D. Shea)
79, of Fountain HIlls, AZ passed away on January 22, 2011. Don Shea (James D. Shea, Sr.) passed away Saturday, January 22, 2011. He was born January 31, 1931 in Butte, Montana the oldest child to Bartholomew E. Shea and Helen M. Shea. History and Accomplishments Don, his brother and two sisters were raised in Butte, Montana. Graduated from Butte Central High after graduating he worked as an electrician in the Butte mines. He served in the Navy National Guard Reserve from 1950 to 1959. Don married Eileen O'Boyle in 1954 and later with three children moved to Seattle, Washington where he purchased his own Electrical Contracting Company and having three more children. He moved and relocated the company and family to Arizona in 1972 where he was in the electrical/contracting field until he retired in 1996 . Later in life he enjoyed his horses and raising chickens and playing with his grandchildren and reading. Always having an optimistic view on life, he would inspire us to "lasso the moon and the stars and pull that rope tight". He was a son, a brother, a friend, husband, father, uncle, grandfather and great grandfather. Married for 53 years and widowed for the past 4 years, he was met at heaven's gate by his beloved wife, brother, mother and father. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 53 years, Eileen O'Boyle Shea. He is survived by his six children, Jim Shea (Denise), Steve Shea (Brenda), Bill Shea (Kathy), Bart Shea (Cheryl), Mary Shea Laney (Greg), Dan Shea (Cheryl) and his 13 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He also leaves behind his devoted loving sisters, Helen Penny and Mary Kane. He is preceded in death by his brother, Bart Shea. Don's wishes were for services to be held in Butte, Montana. There, together there will be a memorial service for Don and Eileen where their remains will be buried in Holy Cross Cemetery, Butte, Mt. The Family wishes to thank Dr. Warren Tripp for his compassion and dedicated care and making "house calls". In lieu of flowers, Don's wishes were for a donation to be made in memory to St. Jude Children's Hospital. St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Drive, Memphis, TN 38105. www.stjude.org Announcement Address; 22765 E. Pleasant View Rd., Ft. McDowell, AZ 85264 May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. May the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, May the Lord hold you in the palm of His hand.
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Published by The Arizona Republic on Jan. 30, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for James Shea

9 Entries

May 28, 2011

Well Pop, I remember as a kid, living on a farm in Washinton and Tony the field hand, shucking corn and picking peas and grean breans, and shaging TP (news paper ) from us kids. He showed us kids how to shuck corn and peas. from when we moved from the farm to the new house, It was me and Steve and the other kid that didn't talk much and couldn't walk, but had a big smile all the time, (billy ). You were always my hero Pop.

Ashley Marie Shea

May 3, 2011

Grandpa,
when grandma passed everything changed and our family's world became a lot less bright but you were still there smiling and laughing and we were thankful for every moment...even if some of our moments were limited. I miss you terribly, we all do it has been months and it still doesnt feel real. Til we all meet again at the gates of heaven may we all be together then even if we have trouble doing so now, in Jesus name I pray amen.<3

Ryan Shea

February 22, 2011

dear.grandpa it was your birthday January 31, 2011 me going to miss u so much.I was sleeping win u passed away just miss going to see u a lot grandpa. hope u and grandma are reading this and more on here. be with me all the time my grandpa. in Jesus name I pray my Grandpa....

February 13, 2011

Dear Shea family members I met Don in the 1980's through some social and business contacts in Tempe,Az. We shared a lot during that time before I relocated to the boondocks. His warmth, his love for his family, his humor and wit,his hard work and good business sense was always evident. Don did indeed "lasso the moon and the stars and pull that rope tight." God bless Don and you his family members. Sincerely, Bill Orth

Gina

February 1, 2011

I am the better for having met you and for having your beautiful daughter, a wonderful reflection of you and her mom, in my life. Peace be with you and Eileen.

January 31, 2011

Happy Birthday Dad, I think about you all the time. I hope you and Mom are having a wonderfull time up there! I think I will wait for a wile to come and see you if thats ok with you. Watch over me and the rest of us we need it!
Love you!
Bill

Bart Shea

January 31, 2011

Dad I miss you so much, I drove through Fountain Hills today on the way home just out of habit. Will miss you forever. Happy birthday Pop.

January 31, 2011

Dear Shea family members,
The world lost one of the good guys. I am so sorry to hear about Don's passing. He was the best boss I ever had. He actually got my sense of humor. He enjoyed being around people, especially his family and friends. He was also a very caring person. I remember being homesick and too broke to fly back to Ohio to visit, and your dad and mom bought me a round trip ticket to go home. That says a lot about the kind of people they were, not too many bosses would go to those lengths to cheer-up an employee. But I never felt like just an employee, I felt like part of the family. I am so sorry I have not stayed in touch over the years. But I hope to do better. You have a wonderful family. I know you will be there for each other. My prayers are with all of you.
Love to all,
Lori Culbertson

Mary

January 30, 2011

I miss you.

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