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JAMES SHEA Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for JAMES SHEA
Alison McCann
November 10, 2022
Jim and I both worked at Boston TV stations during one of the best times to be working in local TV. In the 1980s, television production in Boston was firing on all cylinders: innovative, smart and competitive. Everybody knew to bring their "A game" to keep the quality good and programming exceptional. Jim's terrific editing helped shape and add depth to any video he touched, yet and he was always modest about this expertise. No big ego: Just big ability and commitment to excellence. Throughout the years, Jim continued to cull and archive thousands of bits of broadcast audio and video history that might otherwise have been lost. Jim just knew some things needed to be remembered. In recent years, we would meet regularly for lunch to talk about 'the business' and catch up. I will deeply miss his sweet, humble presence and affectionate friendship. There is a big ache in my heart....
Karen Genereux
October 26, 2022
I was so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I worked with him at Fox-25, Boston. He was such a nice person. He came with me to purchase my first ever computer, an Apple iBook, of course, and a printer. We went very late, after the late news, to the Apple store which was open late because of tax-free weekend. Of course, he provided much-needed tech support after that purchase, too. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family and friends on a kind soul gone too soon.
Tanya Hart
September 27, 2022
To the family of Jim Shea:
We send you heartfelt condolences and love. We hope you can find peace at this difficult time. Jim was such a special person to so many we know you will miss him.
With Sympathy,
The Hart Family , Los Angeles, CA.
Carol Collin Leslie
September 25, 2022
This is such a shock! Jim was a great guy. I knew him all through school. I am so bummed that I missed the recent class reunion - I will surely not miss the next one.
Carol Collins Leslie (Class of 1977)
Sean Barnacoat
September 24, 2022
I only met Jim several years ago, but quickly learned what a kind, caring, and thoughtful man he was.
We struck up a friendship while I was searching for archival footage for WBZ-TV´s 70th anniversary celebration. Anybody who knows Jim knows that I found just the right guy. He could not have been more helpful or supportive to me. Over the next few years, my eyes would light up anytime his name would appear in my email inbox. Or when a package would show up on my desk with his name on the return address. It always meant that he was sharing another precious piece of WBZ lore. Archival footage "gold." Vintage promos. Or fun station memorabilia. Jim had such a love and passion for `BZ and its history and he went out of his way to share it with others. Just a few weeks ago, I received one last gift from him: a hand-designed polo shirt featuring a vintage-inspired WBZ4 logo that he knew I would appreciate as much as he did. I never did get the chance to say thank you for that.
Jim´s quote about editing being the critical final step in the creative process is spot-on. But Jim also recognized the need for one more step: historic preservation. Stories and images are fleeting and can be quickly forgotten. But Jim took great care to preserve them and share them, to honor the work of his colleagues and ensure that an important legacy would live on.
It was a joy to get to know Jim over the past few years and I will never forget his kindness and generosity. I am saddened by his passing and offer my deepest sympathies and condolences to his family and many admirers and friends.
Sean Barnacoat
September 24, 2022
I only met Jim several years ago, but quickly learned what a kind, caring, and thoughtful man he was.
We struck up a friendship while I was searching for archival footage for WBZ-TV’s 70th anniversary celebration. Anybody who knows Jim knows that I found just the right guy. He could not have been more helpful or supportive to me. Over the next few years, my eyes would light up anytime his name would appear in my email inbox. Or when a package would show up on my desk with his name on the return address. It always meant that he was sharing another precious piece of WBZ lore. Archival footage “gold.” Vintage promos. Or fun station memorabilia. Jim had such a love and passion for ‘BZ and its history and he went out of his way to share it with others. Just a few weeks ago, I received one last gift from him: a hand-designed polo shirt featuring a vintage-inspired WBZ4 logo that he knew I would appreciate as much as he did. I never did get the chance to say thank you for that.
Jim’s quote about editing being the critical final step in the creative process is spot-on. But Jim also recognized the need for one more step: historic preservation. Stories and images are fleeting and can be quickly forgotten. But Jim took great care to preserve them and share them, to honor the work of his colleagues and ensure that an important legacy would live on.
It was a joy to get to know Jim over the past few years and I will never forget his kindness and generosity. I am saddened by his passing and offer my deepest sympathies and condolences to his family and many admirers and friends.
Tanya Hart
September 22, 2022
Tanya Hart
September 22, 2022
Tanya Hart
September 22, 2022
When I first learned Jim Shea had passed, I stopped in my tracks. I had just been in touch with him two weeks prior to this unbelievable news. In fact, we had been communicating all summer. When I found out I was being inducted into the NABJ Journalism "Hall of Fame", and needed past career footage who did I call ? Jim Shea of course, and as usual he answered my call. Jim has been the archivist for so many of us over the years. He was more than the editor of our show "Coming Together" he was a major part of the show´s success and critical acclaim. Plus, he was always ahead of his time in terms of technology. Long before iPhones and selfies, Jim took a photo of himself with me, Cheryl Bond Nelms, and Valerie Whitmore. As you can see by the post , it rivals any of today´s high-tech photos. When it was time to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of "Coming Together" it was Jim who pulled out great video and even our shooting schedules from some of those road trips. We have had the best of times over many years, and I am so glad I was in touch with him up to the end. There will never be another like James Shea. Rest in peace and power my friend.
Daniel OBrien
September 21, 2022
I first met Jim hen he inquired about obtaining a rail car for the Bedford Depot. I have never met anybody who had more passion for his town than Jim. He was the heart and soul of the Depot Park project. His love for the town and this project and my passion for RDCs was a perfect blend. His dedication to the project was incredible . The town of Bedford has lost an amazing man. Rest In Peace my friend. You will be sorely missed.
Maria Stephanos
September 20, 2022
I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. What a talent and a kind man. My best to all those who love him.
Julianne Lee
September 19, 2022
I had the great pleasure of working with Jim at NBC10. He was remarkably talented, professional and taught me much about the business he loved so much. He was a true expert in his craft. I loved our conversations and laughs we had about the good old days, what a great man. He will be missed.
Robin Young
September 17, 2022
This news brings great sadness, but also great memories of a wonderful time and a remarkable colleague. I had a brief shining stint as host of the program evening magazine on WBZ. Jim Shea was an invaluable, constant, and frankly, very quiet, coworker, who didn’t make alot of noise about how much he did, he just did it to perfection. We who are lucky to get a little of the limelight know we could never do that without the hard work and faith in us of other people, Jim foremost among them. He was right, editing is that final step between us and the audience. His sense of responsibility, dedication and professionalism was just awesome. Plus he could be very funny, especially when it came to managing management. I don’t think I ever saw him lose his composure, or sense of assuredness. Then, even after our little flames flickered out, Jim kept them alive, curating, saving,
caring for our work. He was Steadfast. My sympathies to his family and close friends who I’m sure are missing him please know so many of us who traveled for a while on the path with him are also so sad we won’t be seeing him again.
With love, Robin Young
Pattu Hansen Walker
September 16, 2022
Light and love to you Jim
Cheryl Bond-Nelms
September 16, 2022
Jim Shea was my dear good friend. He was always so kind, helpful, and willing to go as long as it took to get a job done. We started working together the moment he came to WBZ-TV. He was a skilled craftsman. No one was better. No one. God bless you, Jim! Your life was so full, and you touched so many. Rest in peace. Love Cheryl
Doug Glazier
September 16, 2022
I am so sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with Jim and he was always the consummate professional as well as one of the nicest people you'd ever meet. In all the years I worked with Jim, he was never angry, mean-spirited or disagreeable. It was always a pleasure editing with him. Of all the shows that I worked on in Broadcast Television, there was never another like Evening Magazine, it was really like a "family" and I was fortunate enough to meet my future wife (Jane Stevens) there....Jim was a big part of that family vibe. To Jim's loved ones, please accept my sincerest condolences on your loss. I hope that the love of family and friends will comfort and strengthen you in this very sad time.
For each thorn, there’s a rosebud
For each twilight — a dawn
For each trial — the strength to carry on,
For each storm cloud — a rainbow
For each shadow — the sun
For each parting — sweet memories when sorrow is done.
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Andrew Gates
September 15, 2022
God bless you dear friend, you are one of the best of us. We will all see each other again
David Willer
September 15, 2022
I am happy to have known Jim from when we both worked at Fox 25 together. He was a wealth of knowledge on CBS Television City, the local Boston television market, editing and Apple products. I´m glad to have stayed in touch with him over the years as he knew so much and had many interesting stories. When we launched our new control rooms in 2003 at Fox 25, he took many great pictures which I still have today. My thoughts are with his family and friends during this sad time.
Bill Katz
September 15, 2022
I met Jim in 1989 at Evening Magazine at WBZ. I was a producer and Jim was an editor. I very quickly learned that I could depend on him to bring incredible attention, detail and commitment to my pieces, ensuring they were of the highest standard editorially. He made my work better and the collaborative process with him was outstanding. He took his job extremely seriously, taught me invaluable lessons that I still benefit from today and was a truly delightful fellow to be around. He will be sorely missed. My condolences and best wishes to all of his family and friends.
Patricia Yusah
September 15, 2022
Paalam Jim. Will miss our lunches at the food court in Burlington Mall. Will miss recalling stories of the times at WBZ seating inside your edit room, creating obligatory birthday and goodbye reels for Evening Magazine colleagues. Paalam.
Gail Frost
September 15, 2022
My condolences to Jim's family, he will be missed. He was kind , thoughtful, I'm grateful we went to BHS together rest in peace.
Bob Clark
September 14, 2022
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Jim! Jim did so much for the Bedford Community and the Depot! Jim worked numerous hours and years on several projects for the Bedford Community. Jim was always proud of the Bedford Depot. Jim will be missed but not forgotten. Thank you Jim for all you did. My sincere sympathy to the Family of Jim.
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