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James Shackelford Obituary
James Kent Shackelford. Jim/Shacks/Cap'n sailed into his last sunset on September 9 at home in Columbus. He will be missed by his 100 year old father, William; brothers, William "Skip," Don, and Tom; sister, Julie (Mike) Lucas; his friend, Lisa Mason; and many others. Born in Parkersburg February 13, 1955; graduated from Upper Arlington in 1973 attending OSU on a US Naval Academy appointment. Then he changed course. First traveling with the Freedom Train, then bartending at all the best Columbus bars, eventually heard his calling to the sea. He credited the late Mr. and Mrs. James Dicke of New Bremen with providing the incentive to pursue a captain's license, eventually earning his U.S.C.G. 1600 GRT Master Upon the Oceans license and Celestial Navigation Certificate. Jim donated his body to OSU Medical Schools in appreciation of the excellent care he received. Donations in memory are encouraged to HTH.ohio.org or the addiction/recovery service of your choice. Gathering TBA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Shackelford
Sponsored by The Columbus Dispatch.
Don Valtz
September 5, 2023
Was missed and celebrated at our 55th class reunion. Many laughs and tears remembering all the good times. I know you were definitely there in spirit. Think of you often.
Lori Easley
September 28, 2020
My Condolences and Sympathy to Jim's Family and Lisa Mason and other friends. Celebrate a life well lived.
September 14, 2020
Lisa I am very sorry for your loss. You were a good friend to Jim, I am glad you were there when he needed you the most. He will be missed and thought of often. Take care kid.
Gerry Hazelbaker
September 13, 2020
Shacks, to a true friend, many fond memories, fun and fine times together.
Saddened to know you left us so soon. But we'll remember you and miss you too.
Cherie Grist
September 13, 2020
In loving memory, you will be missed.
The Grist Family
Cherie Shackelford Grist
Jerry O’Shaughnessy
September 13, 2020
I am sad to hear the news of my good friend Jim/Shacks. I have exceptionally fond memories of good times with Jim and Tom. To Mr. Shackelford, William, Don, Tom, Julie and Lisa, please accept my deepest condolences.
There are not enough good words to to explain how great of a character my friend Jim was. I will miss you greatly my friend. Thanks for the memories!
John Jeffers
September 12, 2020
Jim was a great man and he will be deeply missed
Jerry O’Shaughnessy
September 12, 2020
I woke up today and saw the news of my friend Jimmy/Shacks death. Damn! I have exceptionally fun memories of times spent with Jim and Tom! What a blast!! To Mr. Shackelford, William, Don, Tom, Julie and Lisa, please accept my deepest condolences.
There are not enough good words to explain how great of a character my friend Jim was. I will miss you greatly my friend! Thanks for the memories!!
Don Valtz
September 12, 2020
Gonna miss you brother. Didn’t
Get to see each other often but always picked up just where we left off. Fond memories of all our high jinx together over the years. You will be missed and remembered fondly!
Vaya con dios my friend!
Bruce Anderson
September 12, 2020
I am so sorry to here this news. Love to the family god bless.
Brian L. Trotier
September 12, 2020
Although it ended too soon, Shack lived an incredible life. A true non vivant with friends from all over the world. RIP my friend. May the wind be at your back.
Eric McLaughlin
September 12, 2020
Fair wind and following seas Captain. Godspeed Jim!!!
Jack Reitter
September 12, 2020
Jim (Shacks) we're all going to miss your smile, humor and the many interesting conversations we've enjoyed over the years!
Michael Dvorak
September 12, 2020
I had many great times with Jim (Shacks). The ocean got into our souls, after our summer in Ocean City in 73’. Ironically, we both gravitated to the sea, thereafter.
He visited me in Cocoa Beach, FL several years ago, which I’m Thankful for . I will miss his smiling face and his adventurous stories at our next Class reunion.
Andy Horn
September 12, 2020
Jim was a fun, adventurous and happy guy. I always felt good in his presence. I’ll never forget his smile. I am sad to hear of his passing. We all need to enjoy our life, it’s shorter than you think, but it’s anything you want it to be. At ease Captn Jim.
Claudia Perry
September 12, 2020
Mr. Shackelford, Don, Tom, Julie and Lisa, Jim was one of the good guys. Always kind and fun. We had way too many fun shenanigans so many years ago. He will always have a place in my teenage heart. I am sorry for your loss. May he sail in heavenly seas
Claudia Perry
Jenny Sours Shaw
September 12, 2020
My caring thoughts go out to Jim’s family and those dear to him. My family, my cousins’ family, and Jim’s family were neighbors growing up. He always inquired about family members whenever our paths crossed. Jim’s kindness was much appreciated when my husband recently passed away. We always laughed about how we, by chance, saw Jim while we were visiting Harbour Island. Rest In Peace neighbor and safe sailing.
Nancy Schild Spiert
September 11, 2020
I have great memories of Shacks from our days at Schmidt's and beyond. I was a manager and would love to see the bar packed on Monday nights when he was working...until I got the comp sheet for the night! He always made me smile and that of others. Sail the high seas, Friend.
Stu Johnson
September 11, 2020
Got the chance to catch up to Shacks at UAHS 7/4/19. Many fond, mostly wild, memories.
Fair winds and following seas Captain.
Peter Loscocco
September 11, 2020
Jim was a great guy and a long-time friend. My condolences to Julie, Tom and the rest of the Shackelford family. H will live on in the hearts of the many people he touched and friends he made. Sail on, Shacks.
Kim Amicon
September 11, 2020
I had the pleasure of meeting Shacks on the American Freedom Train. He was one of the nicest people I have ever met. It was always great to see him and catch up over the years. He was the "real deal" and the world is a dimmer place without him in it. Rest Well, Shacks..you were so loved by many
Billy Amicon
September 11, 2020
I met Shacks through George Doyle in our high school days .We sailed together and traveled on the American Freedom Train together. He was a close friend of mine and my family. He will be greatly missed
Cindy Crawford
September 11, 2020
Shacks was a treasure. Met him at the Windward Passage. I have many fond memories of him and the people who always followed him. The sailor from Australia was a hoot. Thanks for the memories.
Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results
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